Estella let her head drop every now and again as she tried to stay awake. Bottom Dollar told her if she came in earlier she would be able to make up the work she didn’t finish the day before without loosing any pay. Despite the fact it was the middle of the Estella was extremely tired from staying up all night. She yawned as she exchanged books on the shelves. Her head dropped for a moment and suddenly Lexile was shouting at her again.
“Space Case!”
Estella jumped and spun around to see Lexile glaring at her again. She tired not to look him in the eye, fearing it would only agitate him.
“What is it Lex?”
“What happened to your leg?” He asked coldly.
“Oh, I sprained it. It is nothing I can still work.” Estella said meekly.
“Well it is sad to have to watch you hop around. Go to the basement and organize the files down there.”
“But it’s not my job to organize those files.”
Lexile loomed over her and glared hatefully. Clearly he was not satisfied with her response.
“I said go to the back and organize the files. When official come in I don’t want them to see a pathetic waste like you wandering around making the rest of us look bad.”
“Trust us, you better with her out front.” A voice boomed.
Two large black pegusi had entered the archive. Even though Lexile was large they stood taller and were far more intimidating. They wore the stunning gold armor that was unique to the royal guards which only made them more fierce looking.
“Estella Dusk, we have been ordered to bring you with us.”
“Did I do something wrong?” She quivered meekly.
“We were only ordered to fetch you.” The other guard said. “Come quickly.”
Estella timidly followed them as they lead her upstairs to the main library where the supervisors worked. When she seemed to have trouble getting up the steps with her sore leg the pegusi lifted her from her feet and flew her up to the top. Clearly they did not want to waste any time. Arriving at the top the two pushed open the doors allowing her to enter. Inside Bottom Dollar was standing in the middle of the room, however Estella was more captivated by the person to whom he was speaking. There, merely a few feet away from her, was a dark purple alicorn with flowing blue mane. She smiled seeing Estella. Quickly the injured mare hobbled in nearly loosing her balance as she crossed the floor. However she felt she had to rush or the princess would vanish.
“Princess Luna, your grace, I am, I am Estella Dusk.” She said limping over. “I have written you so many letters.”
“I know.” Luna said smiling.
The princess’ smile fell when she turned back to the stallion. Luna had only spoken to the man for several minutes and his obsession with the archive’s funding annoyed her. He could send any such business to her sister. Luna sneered at him in a voice that rang with her disgust for him.
“You can go now.”
The stallion dropped his head and slunk out of the room. Luna turned back to the mare and her smile returned. Estella was shocked when the princess even went as far as to hug her.
“Oh it is so good to finally meet.”
The princess released her and turned towards the doors. With a flick of her head she summoned her guards and they fluttered over pulling the doors open for her.
“Come we have work to do.” Luna said formal. She then lessened the statement by adding on another comment. “But we could always go out first, there is not much more progress the could be made until tonight.”
“So you got my letters about the observatory?” Estella asked still confused.
“Yes, they were very well written by the way. I finished reading them and had everything set in motion. Construction begins immediately. Everything is built down the letter you recommended.”
Estella couldn’t believe her ears. This had to be some sort of dream. To test herself Estella tried to put her hoof down and found she was still very much in pain. She winced and pulled back off of it.
“Are you alright?” Luna asked her.
“Just a sprain.” Estella said still sounding dazed. “I should tell Bottom Dollar that I am leaving.”
“No need.” The princess said. “I have just given orders for you to be relieved of your position.”
“What?!”
“I said you quit.” Luna said rephrasing into a simpler sentence.
Estella snapped to attention. She had a house to pay for, food to buy. It didn’t matter if she until she collapsed Bottom Dollar would only pay you if it was the end of the week and even then he’d take out the damage you caused to the floor. Not to mention she had groceries to buy that she had been without the past few days.
“You said you didn’t want to work here in your last letter. I can see why this place is a dog den.”
“But I need my job.” Estella said baffled by the idea that she was arguing with a princess.
“And you have a job.” Luna said in an understanding tone. “The royal astronomer and my personal assistant.”
Estella shook her head unable to believe it. This couldn’t have possibly been happening. She was just an ordinary unicorn. Estella swooned at the thought of it all. Luna said something else, but Estella didn’t hear it. The next thing she knew everything was dark.
*
Then next thing Estella was aware of was the sound of a quill scratching out a message. It tapped and clicked almost randomly. The irritating sound drew Estella from her slumber. Blinking her eye a sun set came into focus. It would figure as much, Estella could never sleep the night away. Setting up in bed she looked around to discover that while the view was familiar the room was not. The room was scrubbed to an unnatural white and smelt of cleaning product. Confused Estella turned towards the source of the sound and saw a pony standing there. Like the room she was a sterile white along with her outfit. From the red cross on her side she was clearly some sort of doctor.
“Ah good to see your awake dear.” She said smiling.
“Where am I?” Estella asked tiredly.
“Canterlot Hospital, you fainted due to… well I’m not exactly sure it could either be exhaustion or excitement. I healed up you leg nicely, but I am not sure how you were walking around on it all day.”
Estella moved her leg realizing it was feeling better. However she did still feel a bit of pain, but on the inside. It had all had been just a dream.
“It must have been such a mess.” Estella said feeling ashamed. “When will I be able to go home?”
“I can discharge you in the morning after a good night’s sleep.” The doctor replied cheerfully. “Honestly I wish I could have you stay around longer. As bad as that may seem we don’t have royal council here, well, at all in fact. Private physicians I suppose.”
“Royal council…” Estella said confused.
The memories came rushing back to her and she began to feel dizzy once again. There was a knock on the door and the doctor turned to answer it. When Estella looked up she saw the doctor bowing to the guest who entered the room disregarding the fact that visiting hours had already past. She smiled at her and Estella felt dizzy again, but tried to remain conscious, should she further embarrass herself if she did.
“I’m glad you’re awake I’d thought I’d have to stall the sun set.”
“You would stop the sun set, for me…?” Estella said stunned.
“Yes, I want your opinion on how to arrange the constellations. You are my assistant now.” Luna said smiling. “I thought we could have a celebration, maybe a meteor shower after an induction ceremony. But don’t trouble yourself with it now, we can work out all the detail when you feel better.”
Estella was unsure of what to say. Stammering she turned the white earth pony filling out paper work in the corner. She stammered nervously.
“Doctor, I think I might faint again.”
The doctor checked over excitement as the cause of hospitalization. The nurse smiled to herself before putting away the papers. It was obvious that there was much excitement ahead for all of them.