As my eyes drifted awake after a dreamless night, they scanned the room around me. A cozy room with light, cool-coloured wallpaper, clearly lit by the sunrise from the window behind. I blinked unclearly, hoping that it would change back into a room I knew better. It hadn't done so for a week and counting. I dragged myself out of bed to seat myself at a small chair and table, a little too small but becoming more bearable by the day.
Morning toast and tea. I didn't chew them thoroughly and panic whenever I felt something remotely strange in them any more. Well, why would I? I was just in a different place. The bread was decent, in fact, it was almost the same as regular white bread. Whatever weird taste the tea had faded over the mornings and probably didn't exist in the first place. Despite everything, I found myself slowly settling in. I might even end up missing the place once I was gone.
Today was going to be a big day. I'd spent the past days slowly acclimatising myself here with the aid of that one Twilight Sparkle. Very fortunate for me I'd met someone so well connected. I didn't have to spend most of my time cowering confused as I first thought.
I would be today brought before the land's Royalty. It was a stroke of some fortune that Twilight Sparkle appeared to be affiliated with governance even, so perhaps with their assistance I could be shipped off to a plane and be back out. Or was I to be taken prisoner? Perhaps as a specimen in a zoo of some sort? In that case, maybe I could negotiate for some form of annual leave. Either way, as I walked among streets still alien, the whistling of seemingly steam-powered trains greeted as I neared the train station, painted in colours that made them look like large toys.
"Oh, hey there!"
I was right on time. There she was, emerging from a small crowd and trotting up to me. She wore bags not unlike those one would put upon a horse's saddle, but nothing else.
"We'll probably have to stay there overnight like I said, so I hope you packed enough, uh.. clothes!"
I wore with myself a backpack, lightly packed with clothing and some personal effects. I didn't have much. Twilight Sparkle's bags, in contrast, seemed full, though it may have been her size in comparison to mine. The top of a large book could be seen from an exposed opening.
"They've opened up for boarding! Better get in early, I guess."
She led me through the station sparsely filled with commuters, up into a carriage of empty seats. She put herself down onto one at a corner of the carriage, then, with a waving of her foreleg, invited me to sit opposite her. The only thing to do now was to wait and see what happened next, because I had not much idea what to do. I was not yet acquainted on a very personal level with Twilight Sparkle, if it was even possible to be. I knew nothing about these creatures. What did they think? How did they feel?
The scenery of town outside began shifting away, and it was now clear that we were leaving the station. Not many were taking the morning train up, it seemed, so it was just myself and Twilight Sparkle. It was far easier to focus on the scenery outside than anything else.
"Oh, that's right! I brought this..."
The purple... unicorn, with that light around her horn, pulled the large book out of her saddlebags. Just as easily, she lifted it towards me. The cover had an image of a stylised, classical unicorn's head, bound in brown leather with gold trimmings.
"...as a more proper introduction to Equestria! It''ll be a few hours before we reach Canterlot, so we've got some time now..."
She looked at me with a smile. A little awkward, she seemed to be putting in a lot of effort. Again I could do not much more but accept her hospitality.
Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria...
The book read like a fairy tale, telling the origins of the land. Ruled over by two deities whose spheres were the night and day, until one fell and became a demon, leaving the other to rule alone. It went on to describe the three major castes of ponies, and how they all played their role to ensure their place in the world. It was all hardly suited to be historical record, yet somehow sweet That had given it a strange consistency with all that I had experienced here, somehow making it believable.
I looked up to find Twilight Sparkle leaning forward from across, looking eagerly at me.
"So... what do you think?" Her eyes were wide and intense, this might have been something she'd wanted to do for a while.
"Well... it seems like a nice place. Like a fairy tale. The myth of your patron gods is very interesting, I like it. I know a few other stories like it–"
"Myth? But it's true! We're going to see Princess Celestia! Like the book says, she rules Equestria together with her sister, Princess Luna."
I wasn't really expecting to meet a queen worshipped as a living god.
"But didn't the book say that Princess Luna fell to become this... Nightmare Moon? How is she still around?"
"Oh! About that... well, it was a long while back, when I first came to Ponyville. See, it was the Summer Sun festival then, and I happened to be doing research and realised that Nightmare Moon would be returning that night! Before that, when I was in Canterlot, where we're going right now..."
Twilight Sparkle regaled me with tales of her exploits. Honestly, the restoration of a a fallen deity paled on comparison to some of them. I had thought life here would be idyllic to the point of boredom, but if all she said was true then this place was one rich in adventure and wonder. Perhaps it would make for a good destination on my vacation days when I got home. Twilight Sparkle was eager in explaining the mechanics of the world, and whenever I asked, I would get a detailed lecture on whatever the topic was. She seemed quite happy to carry on explaining no matter what I asked, even what might have seemed to be the most obvious of questions.
"So... what exactly is magic, anyway? I've heard of it in stories, but have never... well, seen it actually used."
Twilight Sparkle beamed.
"Oh! Well.. to be honest, there's no real concrete and concise explanation, but I'll do my best. You could call it a... ubiquitous natural force that can be applied in a wide variety of ways. The most basic would be..."
She went on and on in the manner of someone being asked about their favourite subject. Though knowledge of such things would have unsettled me, Twilight Sparkle's sentiment of curiosity and wonder put me at ease. It was infectious, listening to her speak on and on, sooner than I realised I too was drawn into her passion to experience it for myself. The scenery faded by the windows, till we got so high up that the clouds sank beneath the train. It provided a good backdrop to Twilight Sparkle's speech, about just what made her world run.
Before I knew it, the train came to a halt at another station.
"Looks like we're here! Welcome to Canterlot! The Royal Palace isn't far, you'll be able to see it once we get out of here."
The station alone gave a far different impression from Ponyville's. Rather than a rustic theme of wood, the station here opted for something more extravagant, with marble or ivory, and a colour scheme of predominantly white, purple and gold. Stepping out and viewing the city itself only confirmed the image of grandeur, as all the architects must have been determined that their buildings conform to one standard: Grand. Pony creatures walked about dressed in clothing resembling those worn by the wealthiest of society, and I almost felt belittled that I had not much better to wear than I did.
Beyond was the Royal Palace itself. Numerous spires rose into the heavens, cowing even the mountain the city was on into bowing down before the domain of the rulers. It dwarfed even the city itself, symbolising what must have been the sheer might of the inhabitants, even to inhabitants of the city that must be very important people in some way. The path to it through decorated streets, up to the gates to the palace grounds that Twilight Sparkle lead me through had what were called pegasus ponies in armour of some sort, as guards for perhaps the royalty.
"Business? Yes, I have here a letter stating that I, Twilight Sparkle, have been granted an audience with Princess Celestia, along with..."
The guards only twitched slightly upon hearing my name. Proof of extraordinary discipline and professionalism for one entrusted with serving royalty.
"Alright.. looks like we're on time, again! We'll just wait outside the Hall, until-"
"No need for that, Twilight. How about I take you and your new friend up to the meeting hall myself?"
Interrupting Twilight was an unearthly, soothing voice, one that could embody many traits, but had an unnatural degree of influence into your thoughts. No sooner had I turned around did I see a great white winged unicorn descend from above us, landing with a grace just as well as the voice.
"Princess Celestia! It's an honour to meet Your Highness again!"
Twilight Sparkle bent her front legs, putting herself down in a position similar to prostration. Was I to do the same? The great winged unicorn nodded to Twilight, who was paying no attention to it, or her. She was instead looking at me, desperately whispering.
"Hurry up and get down or something! Quick!"
Finding my legs and arms rather hard to move all of a sudden in the white unicorn's presence, all I could do was bow my head and keep my silence.
"And I'm happy to see you again, Twilight! And you..."
The winged unicorn bowed its head to me, too.
"As Princess Celestia of Equestria, I welcome you to our land. Perhaps we could speak more when we are more comfortable? Please, rise, and follow me."
Princess.. right. That would imply identification with female, would it? It-she did look feminine much like how Twilight Sparkle did. Either way, we were lead to a dining room instead, where on a grand table three seats were arranged.
"More comfortable than a Audience Hall, right, Twilight?"
"Yeah! Thank you so much, Princess!"
Princess Celestia laughed softly as I silently did my best to adjust a seat not meant for me. Eventually, I managed to fit myself quite neatly.
"Ah, yes, our visitor. Perhaps I could share some insight to your situation? You are what we call a human, and thought they are often regarded as myth, ancient records do clearly state the arrival of beings like yourself, through some form of magic that enables travel from your home world and ours. That method, however, has long been lost, though it may not be impossible to return you with a bit of effort."
So I wasn't to leave any time soon. Somehow, through all that happened, I found it easier to accept than I thought it would be, at least for now. I was not, thinking much at the moment, or perhaps I couldn't.
"In the meantime, you are Equestria's guest. Please, make yourself at home. If there is anything I can do for you, please, speak your mind."
I did not really have much I could even think of wanting now. I had been treated extraordinarily well for a vagrant. I was given somewhere to stay, provided with excellent contacts...
"I cannot thank Your Highness enough for your kindness, but I am afraid that I have been given too much already. I cannot possibly ask for more."
Princess Celestia laughed yet another gentle laugh.
"Well, then, should you require further assistance in adapting, then.. Twilight? Consider this another assignment. Give our guest whatever help he needs while he stays in Ponyville."
Twilight seemed to accept the task quite well.
"Certainly, Princess!"
"Thank you, Twilight. I hope both of you can be good friends! Ah, well, you see..."
She seemed to notice how I seemed a little confused.
"If this is about how I as a royal treat Twilight Sparkle, we go back a bit. She was my personal pupil a while back. And if this is about friends, well, friendship is very important for us in Equestria. Some would say that it is the source of the magic that keeps our daily lives going! As your hosts, we would like to invite you to become our friend, as well."
A call to friendship. Twilight Sparkle did not seem to mind, at least. Was my listening to her talk about magic on the train so important to her? At least, were I to offer something, I had a listening ear.
"Your Highness, shall we serve lunch now?" An attendant trotted into the room, a pony without wings or horn. Though obviously not human, he moved in a manner invoking that of a professional servant.
"Yes, our guests must be hungry."
The attendant nodded, and gestured in a stream of other servants. The aroma of a feast followed the white animals as they carried in silver platters, their contents still concealed. One by one the offerings were made on the table, then their flawlessly silver covers lifted. Spinach stir-fried with garlic and spices I could barely recognise. A single poached egg on a mashed potato bed, still steaming hot. Bread a perfect shade of brown, so much that I didn't realise what it was at first, accompanied by butter equally as finely coloured. The penchant for sweets wasn't absent here, as a simple custard pie found its way among the fanciful others. Drinks were the same, fine glasses that were filled with ordinary apple juice. I spent about a second waiting for the meat before settling with what I had.
"You're looking hungry!" Twilight chirped at me from the right. It wasn't hard to see how intensely I'd been staring at lunch.
"I think all of us are, Twilight." Princess Celestia had a hint of amusement in her voice, like a mother doting after children who had been away long enough to miss. "Shall we begin?"
It took a bit of restraint to follow the pace Twilight and the Princess set and not hungrily devour everything in an instant. The chefs didn't waste their effort on presentation alone. Seeing as I was happily occupied, the two... women began talking among themselves, something that felt like they had been meaning to do for a very long time.
That slowed down the pace I had to follow, of course. At least the bread was satisfying to chew, with a hint of sweetness leaking out the more time you spent on it. Twilight and the Princess to my side reminisced about days past together, and what had happened since the last time they saw each other. It was, obviously, a relationship far more than I'd previously thought. A genuine friendship between teacher and student. Briefly, I thought about just how lucky both of them were. A more fleetingly, how endearing it was. A good friend here would really make passing the days far easier.
"I hope everything was to your liking?"
Even with me trying to stretch it out for etiquette's sake, lunch was over way too quickly. The plates were left stripped and bare, ourselves full and satisfied. Princess Celestia certainly knew her own opinion of it.
"Incredible. I'm honoured to sample your cuisine. There's a very... interesting mix of fine dining and simpler fare, I think each really helps to bring out the best in the other." I did my best to think of something clever on the spot.
"The dishes are harmonious, wouldn't you say?" It probably turned out well, seeing the Princess' smile. "Anyway, the pleasure is ours. Now, you'll need to remain here for the rest of the day in case we need to ask you any questions while we prepare your papers, but feel free to spend your time as you please. I'm afraid I must return to my duties, but... Twilight, could you show him around?"
"Sure, Princess! Come on, follow me!"
Twilight almost skipped off, but kept that contained as a spring in her step. This was something else she must have been looking forward too. The crystal glass windows along the corridor we followed seemed to amplify the sun's brilliance, yet without making it more harsh on the eyes. Along the royal purple decorated walls, it was as if it highlighted the path of anyone walking through.
"Oooh! I love it when I come to Canterlot Palace. The library back home can't compare to what they have here! How about you?"
The next corner turned us towards what must have been the palace library, a magnificent archive by virtue of its appearance alone. Stocked with more books than I could imagine one could ever want, I almost followed suit with the spring in Twilight Sparkle's step.
"A repository of collective knowledge free for anyone to use. I love them. You know, I sort of envy how you live in a library, of all places. Could I come and visit again?"
"Of course!" Twilight Sparkle almost skipped around the shelves as she spoke, picking out a book here and there with her... magic, keeping them afloat near her before bringing them to a reading table.
"There! I think you'll like these! These were written for visitors from other lands, like the Griffon Kingdoms to the west. They're about Equestria, for a traveller. Here..."
We found a corner away from the stragglers here and there. The library was already quite empty, but I would still have preferred to be out of sight from a stray curious eye. Twilight sat across from me, and behind both of us were bookcases closing off the area. One could see from the window next to us that the sun was still high, though not so bright to impede reading. The glass was shaded for the comfort of patrons.
Twilight and I set our books on the reading table, and she was the first to draw from the pile. She turned first to a spread showing a map of a country. Equestria, according to the title. First, of course, I looked around the sides if there was a neighbouring country I could recognise. None yet.
"So here we are in Canterlot... see, it's the city on the big mountain in the middle. Fitting place for a capital, right?"
True enough, right in the heart of the land, complete with a depiction of the peak towering over the clouds. That wasn't the only place that held my attention. Mountains to the far north, seemingly made solely of crystal. Ancient ruins marked as dangerous, yet enticingly so. A strange line went around the map, which apparently depicted the projected path of a floating city for the next few years. In comparison...
"Ponyville looks pretty ordinary, huh? I thought so too at first, but it's really home for me." Twilight pointed at a town just a little south of Canterlot. The wording labelled it as... something, it was in characters I couldn't recognise.
"Twilight, I can't read that. What language is this in?"
"Hmm? Yeah, that's in the older Equestrian script. Not sure why they used it for Ponyville, maybe to show its Earth Pony roots... Actually, why don't I teach you how to read it? I'm sure you'll find it useful."
An invitation.
"That's very kind of you, Twilight. Thank you."
"Oh... well, I mean, Princess Celestia did ask me to help you out! It–it's nothing, no need to mention it." Twilight Sparkle seemed very pleased. Which was good for me, too.
"Say, what other written languages do you have where you're from, anyway? Just curious." Twilight seemed to have allowed herself to give into something. Her head dipped a little so that her eyes looked upward to me.
"Well... what I can read here is called English, at least that's the name I recognise. Maybe it's best if I start from the beginning. See, writing's a really difficult thing to come up with, so it's a lot more likely that most of the written languages we know came from a few that developed independently. We managed to trace every language to... four different sources, if I remember correctly. English is alphabetical, and based on where we knew the language evolved, it came from some of the first civilizations that learned agriculture and grew big enough to need to keep records. The Cuneiform script, used in ancient Mesopotamia, if you know those names."
Twilight's gaze bore deep. It was a look I knew very well. Not really because I had seen it personally, but I understood the feelings behind them. Wonder and fascination that fed the imagination, that in turn drove a mind to learn even more.
"That's not the only one I know, though. You have a pen and paper? Let me show you something"
Twilight dug in her bags, pulling out what I asked for. Holding a pen again felt right, though I hadn't done this in a while. I recalled the strokes, then made sure not to mess it up. For once, make it look neat and beautiful...
"Here. My name, in, well, my heritage's language. My grandparents never learned to speak English all that well, so that's how I spoke with them. Been a while since I used it..."
"It's like you're drawing a picture for each word... cool! I've heard of... character-based writing systems? Yeah, that's it! Never really seen it up close, though."
That was how it started, with Twilight and I indulging our and each other's curiosity.
It was long after the window grew dark that we realised we had forgot dinner, and even longer still before an attendant found us, telling us that our rooms had been ready for hours.
Was this how I could repay the deeds they'd done for me? Honestly, it gave me a sense of pride to be the one telling a new land about our accomplishments. Seeing the awe, shock and horror on Twilight, but feeling the wonder below. I'd secured myself a good friend. Both Twilight and the Princess would be pleased. Myself, perhaps time here would see a few more good things happen.
The following morning, Twilight Sparkle and myself would return to Ponyville, sharing more of our worlds over a train ride too short.