//------------------------------// // Act One: Chapter Five - Impressions // Story: Turning Points // by Slatewings //------------------------------// Act One: Chapter Five - Impressions Tourmaline, with Celestia and Luna riding along, followed the roped path to the dining hall where she was welcomed by a rather well fed stallion in a tall chef’s hat. The portly gentlestallion shook Tourmaline’s hoof heartily and offered his congratulations, few enough applicants made it through attunement that he was beginning to worry the food would go to waste. “Don’t worry mister chef!” Celetia piped as she jumped from her perch on Tourmaline’s back, “I’m here to do my part.” The chef laughed and patted her head before opening the door to the dining hall and gesturing for them to enter. The dining hall was warmly lit by a row of lanterns suspended from the high ceiling. Shelves of old but well preserved tomes and scrolls lined the walls. A scattering of desks and tables, some occupied, most not, gave the room the appearance more like a study than a dining room, except for the long, well piled, serving table down the center of the room. Celestia’s tongue lolled out at the sight of the closest, and coincidently desert, portion of the table. Celestia streaked past Tourmaline through the door and began doing her best to fit as much on her plates as she could manage, Luna seemed happy with a cucumber sandwich. Despite her rumbling stomach, Tourmaline, found herself unable to eat. She was simply too nervous. She contented herself to a cup of tea and a roll to nibble on. The three found a table surrounded by plush cushions and rested their hooves. “So how long you think they will keep us waiting?” Celestia asked around a mouthful of cookie. “Dunno,”Tourmaline answered, “Clover made it seem like there are a lot of attunements to get done before the interviews. We’re probably going to be stuck here for a while.” Celestia smiled, “Sounds good to me!” She dug back into her plate, piled high with all the sweets the dining hall had to offer. Tourmaline rolled her eyes. Normally she wouldn’t spoil the filly like this but today was a special event. Besides she might need the energy later. “You’ve been quite, Luna,” Tourmaline nudged her, “You feeling okay?” “Mmhm. Just thinking, “ Luna answered. “‘Bout what?” Luna levitated a book on the cushion beside her and held it out for Tourmaline to read. The title read ‘Lunar Arcania and Natural Philosophy’. “Wow,” Tourmaline said, reading the title, “Starting your studies already.” She tousled the filly’s dark blue mane, “That’s my girl.” “I just want to make sure I’m ready,” Luna sighed, “I just don’t want to mess this up.” “Aww Luna...” Tourmaline put a foreleg around her, “Remember what the driver said this morning? You’re somepony you can depend on, they will see that.” She gave the filly a little squeeze. “So what does that book say about our moon?” Luna smiled, “Our moon.” She opened the book and set it beside her plate so the two of them could read together. “I hope I’m not interrupting you,” spoke a stallion’s genteel voice. Tourmaline looked up from Luna’s book to find a familiar beige and burgundy figure standing beside them. “Oh Lord High Horse!” She jumped to her hooves and awkwardly curtsy-bowed as best she whilst tripping over her hooves. High Horse chuckled, “Please Miss Tourmaline, it’s quite alright. Have a seat.” He gestured to an empty cushion, “Do you mind if I join you?” “Of course not My Lord...” “Tourmaline...” he said as he sat, “You’re a choir member now, or very nearly so. All members of the Arcanum, especially the Choir, are considered something of honorary members of the aristocracy. Although some of the more conservative elements of the court do not see it that way.” Celestia’s crumb bespeckled face lit with excitement, “You mean I really am a lady now?” “All fillies are ladies, my dear, no matter what their station may be,” the lord responded, “and no matter what somepony else says,” he continued, booping the filly on the nose. Tourmaline hadn’t seen this side of High Horse before, maybe she really was honorary aristocracy now if he could show it. Or, more likely, his appointment to Choir liaison simply meant he no longer had to concern himself with the opinions of lesser members of the Court. “To what do we owe the honor, Lor...” he gave her a sidelong look, “Um.. High Horse.” “Well, I thought I might come by and help assuage what I am sure is a concern of yours.” “A what now?” Celestia asked. Luna leaned over and whispered to her sister without taking her eyes off her book, “It means to make somepony feel better about something.” Celestia whispered back, “Ohhh, I knew that.. smartypants.” “What concern?” Tourmaline asked, ignoring the fillies. He explained, “I know this must be a very stressful event, no matter how exciting it may be. I wanted to ensure that you were not overly concerned for the new statue order’s I’ve placed recently.” Tourmaline relaxed, “Actually, I was a bit worried about that. As busy as I’m going to be during the selection process, and even more so if I’m selected, I didn’t want you to think I was going to abandon my commitments to you.” “Oh no no no dear girl. I want you to know that you have absolutely nothing to be concerned about,” he patted her knee, “As of this morning you won’t have to worry about any more orders from me. I’ve already contracted a new, and quite talent, artist who should be able to handle any future stonework I may need and I’ve already referred to all my friends in the court to her studio.” Tourmaline,s jaw nearly struck the table, “Wha? But, but....” High Horse's deadpan expression cracked and he started laughing like a school colt. the confused look on Tourmaline’s face only made him laugh harder. It dawned on her, “Oh Lo... High Horse, that’s not funny. you really scared me!” “I told you you could get her good!” Celestia squeaked between laughs. “Wait... you,” Tourmaline pointed a hoof at Celestia, “and you,” she continued pointing at High Horse, “You’re... in cahoots?!” “What can I say?” High Horse began, wiping tears from his eyes, “If even a tenth of the Court had a tenth of that filly’s spirit they wouldn’t be half the stodgy crowd that they are.” “But how!?” “She sent me a letter a week ago asking me to take part in a little prank,” he reached across the table to give Celestia a friendly pat on the shoulder, “I simply couldn’t resist.” Tourmaline glared at the giggling filly, “How did you get a letter to a member of the Court, Tia?” “Well...” Celestia explained, “I may or may not have asked somepony at the laundry to slip it into his pocket.” “Tia!!!” “It’s quite alright, Tourmaline,” High Horse said, “I got a good laugh out of it, and learned that we might consider tightening palace security a bit. No hard done.” “Besides my nerves,” Tourmaline jibbed. “Oh it’s all in fun,” he began, “And you have nothing to worry about. I doubt I could find another sculptor of your skill in the whole of the clan, even if I was inclined to seek one out. Certainly not one who specialized in mythic portrayals,” he patted her hoof, “Tourmaline you are irreplaceable to me.” He seemed to catch himself and with an embarrassed cough told her he had duties to attend to and rose from the table. Tourmaline joined him. “As always, it’s been a pleasure, Miss Tourmaline,” He gave her a gentlestallionly bow, “I look forward to meeting again.” He waved over an unseen assistant and the two of them left the dining hall without another word. Tourmaline turned to Celestia, “Alright you little monster! When I get you back home I’m going to tell your mother on you!” Celestia pointed a hoof at Tourmaline, “You like High Horse, you like High Horse!” Tourmaline blushed right through her chocolate brown coat, “I do not!” Celestia continued her assault while Luna stifled a giggle. “Know what? I don’t like either of you any more,” Tourmaline stuck her tongue out at the two sisters and made a hasty exit. She found a seat by the fire place and resolved to firmly plant her behind in it until her normal coloring returned. Within a few minutes the comforting warmth of the fire takes it’s toll and Tourmaline fell fast asleep. After what felt like only a few moments later Tourmaline awoke to the unpleasant feeling of being shaken awake. “Come on! They’re calling you! You're going to miss your own interview!” Yelled Celestia’s voice, finally yanking her out of her sleep. “Very funny Celestia,” Tourmaline answered with a yawn, “but I think that’s enough pranks for today.” She rolled over in her chair and closed her eyes, only to have them snap open when a much louder voice called out her name. “CALLING MISS TOURMALINE! THIS IS YOUR LAST CALL. FOLLOW ME TO THE INTERVIEW ROOM OR YOU WILL BE SENT HOME!!” In pure panic Tourmaline jumped from her chair by the fire and dashed across the dining hall to meet the very grumpy, and impatient, proctor, upsetting a table in the process. “Good luck!!!” the sisters called out to her in unison as Tourmaline followed the silent uniformed mare out into the hallway. At the far end, another proctor stood before a door where a short line of five or six ponies waited. “Really?” Tourmaline asked, annoyed. “Hurry up and wait?” The impatient proctor simply motioned for her to join in the line before spinning on a hoof and returning to the dining hall to fetch another applicant. Tourmaline joined the line and did her best to avoid prancing in place with anxiety. A few, tense yet boring, minutes later the line was only a single pony shorter when the proctor arrived with Celestia and Luna in tow. “Hey Miss Tourmaline!” pipped Celestia, “Miss us yet?” Tourmaline stuck her tongue out at her in response, “Nope, still not talking to you.” She feigned turning around before sweeping Celestia up with a foreleg and giving her a quick nuggie. “Hey! You're messing up my mane!” Celestia complained, “I’m trying to look nice for my interview.” “Oh don’t worry, you look beautiful.” Celestia smiled and with a flash of magic returned her pastel mane to it’s former glory. “Shhh!” shushed the proctor standing by the door. “Oh come on,” Celestia complained, “we weren’t even being loud.” “Little filly,” the proctor responded, “the pony on the other side of that door is currently undergoing the most important, and nerve wracking, interview of her life. If you cannot be still and give him the quiet he needs, then perhaps you would prefer to wait for your friends outside,” he warned, “So again I say: Shhh!” At that, Celestia listened and quieted down and, surprisingly, managed to stay quiet. Luna, as always, was entertained by her thoughts. Tourmaline though, would have preferred some conversation. Simply standing and staring at your hooves, all the while worrying and fretting about the interview was painful. They passed the time in silence. Even Celestia was absorbed by her own worrying, Tourmaline didn’t even notice that they had advanced to the front of the line. “Ma’am, it’s your turn,” the shushy proctor prompted Tourmaline “Oh. Uh, okay,” Tourmaline turned her head to the sisters, “Girls, be good. I’ll see you after the interview.” Both sisters promised and wished Tourmaline luck.Tourmaline steadied herself and stepped through the opened door. The room beyond was sparse. Only a single curved table and a cushion before it provided decoration. Seated at the table were three ponies. To the left sat the Lady Noblesse Oblige. To the right sat Aster Skies. At the table’s center sat Magus Clover. Behind them stood a smiling High Horse, whose presence elicited a poorly suppressed blush form Tourmaline at the memory of Celestia’s teasing. “Please, have a seat,” Clover said as she pointed to the simple cushion in the center of the room. Tourmaline sat as directed, grateful to be able to hide her shaking knees. “Miss Tourmaline, unless I’m mistaken.” “Yes ma’am,” she answered. “Before we start I’d like to thank you for your patience,” Clover began, “You’ve already met the Chairponies, and I’ve read their report of you. Very interesting. It had not occurred to me, nor to my predecessors that an affinity toward stone might affect the attunement process. You’ve taught me something new, and that does not happen often. High Horse coughed politely. “Ah yes, you already know our liaison. I trust you understand that your previous relationship with the Lord will not affect any decision we make here today. Correct?” “W-well, we don’t have a, uh, relationship, or anything. He’s one of my clients,” Tourmaline shuttered. “Regardless, we show no favoritism to anypony,” Clover continued while High Horse hid a smile behind a hoof. “I understand.” Clover nodded and continued, “The interview will proceed thusly. Each chairpony will have the opportunity to ask you three questions, on any topic he or she finds relevant. Afterward, I will have three questions of my own. I strongly encourage you to answer as honestly and completely as you can. If, for some reason, you feel a question to be too personal or intrusive simple say so and the asker will ask you something else.” She leaned back in her chair and spoke, “We have many applicants to process today and many more in the days to come, so let us begin. Aster Skies, would you like be go first?” The golden stallion stood and began, “Miss Tourmaline, how did you feel when you first heard the announcement?” Tourmaline thought for a moment and answered, “Honestly, the first thing I felt was fascination. I am a sculptor by trade,” she said with a glance at High Horse, ”and I specialize in mythical motifs, the taming of the spheres is one of my greatest inspirations. To be alive during the Eclipse is like seeing those ancient events with my own eyes.” Seeming pleased, Aster continued, “Speaking as a unicorn what do you think of the responsibility the Choirs bear?” “Well, the choir’s work is the reason we’re unicorns at all. Our ancestors took up this burden millennia ago, before we became what we are today, and I believe they would be proud that we still carry it on to this day. Despite everything else magic can do, guiding the sun and moon is the reason why we are what we are.” Aster scribbled a note, “Final question. This is a difficult to art to master. The basics maybe easy to grasp but attaining the proper control is exceedingly difficult. Do you feel you have the patience and dedication required to learn it?” Tourmaline smiled, “No art is truly mastered. Its not a skill that you can learn. One is born an artist. I was sculptor long before I lifted a chisel. Just like the shape I revel beneath the surface of the stone, the craft of any artist was within them all along.” She paused, “If I am truly meant to take a place in the Lunar Choir, that .. Artistry is already within me. I have only to chip away at the stone that conceals it.” Aster Skies leaned back in his chair as he considered her response. “Thank you Tourmaline. No further questions.” He returned to his seat and nodded to Lady Noblesse. The Lady returned Aster’s nod and stood, “Before I ask my questions I’d like you to know that I am very pleased to meet you. It can sometimes be difficult to find unicorns who can be attuned to the moon. At time’s we have had to compromise and attune those whose compatibility was suspect. As a result, the Lunar choir is a far smaller than the solar choir, less than half it’s size. But do not think that we can then afford to allow those who do not need to be there to be members. Only those who truly have a place with us will be selected.” She paused, “Do you have a place with us, Tourmaline?” Tourmaline swallowed, “I sincerely hope I do, My Lady.” Lady Noblesse smiled, “Then let us begin. Tourmaline, what were your thoughts when you were selected for attunement?” “To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t sure what I should think. I didn’t go in with any expectation one way or the other. When you and Chairpony Aster told me I might have to be declared unattunable I was absolutely crestfallen.In desperation, I asked if it could be my natural affinity for stone that caused the Stone’s lack of dissonance. I don’t know how much I believed that. I felt as if I was grasping at straws, I could not even imagine being sent home. But you saw possibility in my feeble theory and believed in me. Then you gave me a chance. “When you conducted the attunement, I felt the magic of the moonstone, of the moon really, seep into my own magic, marrying itself to me. I recognised that feeling. It was all those nights I spent in my workshop. Countless hours spent by myself with my only company the stone I was shaping and the silver moonlight streaming in through my studio window. It felt right. It felt like home. Being selected for Lunar attunement is a great gift and even if I am not selected I will always treasure that blessing.” Lady Noblesse smiled graciously, understanding. “Why do you suppose it is that these open auditions are only held during an eclipse?” “I suppose its because of how apprentices are normally chosen. A single choir member goes out and finds a pony she feels would be a good member. Usually it’s a family member or friends. The choir needs to work together as one and that takes deep trust. If open auditions were held regularly it was make membership just a prize to be won, not a family to be joined.” Lady Noblesse interrupted, “Then why hold them at all?” “Well, I believe it’s to remember how the choir was formed in the first place. How the labor of ordering the world was divided up. Having auditions, even if only so rarely, lets ponies who are drawn to the sun and moon join, not just those who the choir feels are most fit. I suppose brings new notes to the harmony, so to speak.” “My last question,” Noblesse said as she sat back down, “What was it that inspired you to apply for this position?” This was the question Tourmaline had been dreading. She choose her words carefully and tried to hide her shaking knees, “I uh, I was the victim of a prank.” Noblesse raised and eyebrow, “A prank?” Tourmaline sighed, “It’s one of the sisters I babysit, Celestia actually. One of her favorite pastimes is setting up pranks for me to walk into. I was at the market with her and her mom when a crier called the cities unicorns to the palace for the announcement. Afterward she and her sister wanted to join. I guess Tia, Celestia, thought it would be funny to sign me up too and let me find out when a messenger delivered my ticket.” He laughed despite herself, “And you know what? Unlike most of her pranks that end up with me covered in glitter, or soaking wet, or pink... I’m could not be happier to be at the receiving end of this one.” The reserved expression on Lady Noblesse’s face worried Tourmaline. Clover spoke without standing, “We have many applicants remaining to interview so I’ll be brief. First question: How many spells do you know?” Tourmaline thought it over, spells weren’t exactly her special talent, “I’m not sure. I do know some specific spells, mostly related to my work. Spells for finding flaws in stone, repairing cracks, that sort of thing. Levitation, of course.” “The Chairponies tell me you displayed significant natural talent. Why have you never sought to put it to use?” “I have,” Tourmaline answered, “some of my work can be very magically taxing. Usualy If i find I need a new spell I can come up with something or just adapt one I know already. I just haven’t gone out and tried to learn new spells for their own sake.” “Hmm,” Clover thought for a moment, “Second question: what is your chief area of magical expertise?” “Well stonework. I know a spell that can let me feel the inside the stone, feel the path and shape of the minerals within it. I know a spell that can allow me to heal cracks in a sculpture or smooth chisel marks. I know one that I used to draw me to the finest marble or granite in the whole quarry. When I pick up a stone in my magic it feels as it it is speaking to me. Telling me about itself and what it wants to become.” “A scrying spell?” “Nothing like that. Let me show you,” she lit up her horn, casting a blue light over the stone of the floor. “I can tell you that this stone here is fresh rock. It was quarried... maybe seven years ago. This one here used to be apart of an outside wall of another structure before it was brought here. That one there...,” she pointed to the arch keystone over the door, “That stone used to be apart of a bridge... an old bridge from long ago.” Impressed, Clover asked, “How can you tell?” Proudly Tourmaline answered, “I’ve learned to read the patterns of stress and moisture in the stones minerals. Once you know what you're looking for it’s as easy as reading a book.” “Very good Miss Tourmaline,” Clover said, “This will be my third and our final question for you. You say that it was a fillies prank that brought you to us. Why should we accept somepony who did not come of their own impulse?” Tourmaline swallowed again. Celestia might be the reason she was here but leaving now seemed... impossible. “Its not that I didn’t have wanted to be in the choir. Its just that I would have felt that I was betraying my work. But today... seeing all of this... watching the myths I’ve studied for my art come alive again. Having a chance to be apart of this Eclipse, a connection to the history I love so much, seeing history breath again.. it broke my heart when I was told I might have to go home.” She wiped her eyes and wondered when she had started tearing up, “I’m not sure when It happened... but I want this. I don't think I can imagine not being a part of this anymore.” Clover nodded, accepting this. She started to ask if Tourmaline had any questions she would like to ask them but High Horse interrupted, “Magus Clover, may I ask I something of her?” Clover agreed. “Tourmaline, please don't think that I'm trying to sabotage you so I can keep you for myself.” High Horse flustered for a moment, “As my retained sculpture of course. You're a very talented mare and I wish you only the best in whatever you do, but I do have to ask you something.” He stepped around the table to address her directly. Tourmaline tried to forget celestia’s teasing and her own inexplicable blushing as the lord looked right into her eyes from beneath his elegantly styled burgundy mane. “You recently said something to me, ‘There’s little sense in fighting against your special talent.’ If you still believe that this, and believe that it is sculpture that is your talent, then why should the panel select you. Or, more to the point, do you feel that this position would bring you into conflict with who you are? Why or why not?” Tourmaline stammered at first, nervous that it would be High Horse asking a question, “I still believe that. Our talents are our guide. Our cutie marks are one of the greatest blessings ponies have. Most of the other races can never be sure they’ve found their place in the world. A donkey might simply have to hope that she has found where she belongs but has to be satisfied with never being sure. ‘I know where I belong,” she gestured to her cutie mark, “A chisel and a quill. I’ve been a sculptor my whole life but I’ve been a student of history for just as long. I will always be those things no matter what I do, no matter how hard I might try to be something different. But this is different, I know this is something I want to be a part of. I have to believe that my heart will lead me to what I’m suppose to be. My art has always been my life, and I don’t think I could ever be happy if it wasn’t a part of it. I’ve spent all that time bringing history to life for others. This is my chance to be a part of that history, to see it come alive, for me.” A surprised smile lit High Horse’s face, “Talented and eloquent,” he chuckled and turned to the panel, “I knew she’d have a good answer.” He flashed another one of his trademark smiles and returned to his place behind the table. The chairponies slid their notes to Clover who held them in her magic and looked over each page carefully. She placed them on the desk and stood. “Happenstance set you on this path, Tourmaline. A mere fillies whim. Yet, you show a deep appreciation for what it is we do, and you have a deep understanding of why. Furthermore, though it may have been an act of chance that brought you to us, but I believe you deserve a chance to find out if it was an act of fate.” Tourmaline beamed so bright her face hurt. Lady Noblesse stood as well, “Tourmaline, if you pass the test and complete your training. I look forward to welcoming you to the Lunar Choir.” “Thank you my lady, Thank you everypony,” Tourmaline wiped her eyes on the back of a hoof. “I am so happy to have this chance. I just know I’m suppose to be here.” “I’m sure you are, Tourmaline,” said High Horse, stepping forward, “Please,” He gestured to the door she had entered through, “Feel free to wait in the hall for your two young friends. I’m sure they would love to hear your good news.” “Thank you all again. I won’t let you down.” Tourmaline said tearfully as she left. She stepped through the door and was ambushed by two bouncing fillies. “Did you do it? Did you pass? When do you start training?” Celestia bombarded her with questions before she saw the drying tears on Tourmaline’s cheek. “Oh on... MIss Tourmaline.” Tourmaline laughed, “No no. I’m fine Tia! I made it. Happy tears.” “Oh good, you had me worried there. Not worried about me mind you. I know I’m getting in. It’s my destiny remember.” Celestia struck a pose. “Miss Celestia. Please, it’s your turn,” said the proctor by the door. Celestia’s bravado crumbled. “Don’t worry Celestia,” Tourmaline hugged the little filly. “It’s your destiny, remember?” She kissed the filly right on top of her head, “Go prove it.” “Eww, Tourmaline germs!” Celestia did her best to wipe off the offending kiss before returning Tourmaline’s hug. “Good luck sister,” Luna threw her forelegs around Celestia, “I know you can do it.” Tourmaline stifled a d’aww as Celestia hugged her sister back before trotting through the door to the interview room. Luna sat on the floor and fretted, no amount of comforting from Tourmaline could cheer her up. “Don’t worry Luna,” she offered, “Remember what the driver said?” “Uh huh,” Luna nodded. “Be somepony you can depend on. That’s all you have to do.” Luna smiled and Tourmaline draped a leg over her shoulders while they waited. A few, long, minutes later the doors to the interview room open and Celestia came prancing out, head held high, “Nailed it!” she exclaimed. “Great job Tia!” Tourmaline hugged the filly. Luna just mumbled her congratulations and stared at her hooves. “Don’t worry Luna, If Miss Tourmaline can get in you can get in,” Celestia offered. “Hey!” Luna laughed, “Thanks Celestia.” “Luna! It’s your turn,” interrupted the proctor. Tourmaline and Celestia wished Luna luck and the fully nervously walked through the door and closed it. “Don’t worry about your sister tia. She’s a lot stronger than she lets on.” Tourmaline told Celestia. “Oh I’m not worried,” Celestia’s stomach rumbled, “Hey Miss Tourmaline, do you think I have enough time to get something from the dining hall?” Tourmaline glanced at the proctor who told her she should have time, “Just hurry back, okay Tia? I’m going to wait here for Luna, just in case.” With that, Celestia spun on a hoof and trotted down the hall to fill her belly. Tourmaline slapped a hoof to her mouth to stop from laughing. Stuck to Celestia back was a note written in her own writing reading, ‘Kick Me’. Beneath that was a line of High Horse’s familiar ornate script, ‘Nice try’. For a moment, she thought about telling her. Only for a moment. Celestia returned a while later, sans ‘kick me’ sign, and sat beside Tourmaline while quietly munching on a candied carrot. Just as Celestia finished the door opened and Luna walked out from her interview smiling. Celestia and Tourmaline descended on her with hugs and congratulations. Through the open door Tourmaline heard Aster Skies’ voice cry out to Luna, “Don’t you worry sweetheart! You’ll make your daddy proud Luna! Don’t you worry! you’ll make him proud!” The three of them broke down into laughter on the hall carpet, the other applicants standing in line stared at them with the oddest of expressions. Tourmaline felt a tap on her shoulder and looked up at a very amused High Horse. “Oh Lord High Horse!” Tourmaline shot to her hooves and dusted herself off, “I’m sorry are we disturbing everypony?” “Oh no. Please though, dear Tourmaline, there is no need for my title,” Celestia poked Tourmaline with a hoof at the word ‘dear’, “The I’d simply like to have a word with you in private.” Poke, “Stop that!” Tourmaline whispered to Celestia. “Of course Lo... High Horse.” She told the sisters to be good and followed him back into the audition room, Clover and the Chairponies are nowhere to be seen. “Is something wrong?” She asked. “Of course not. I simply wished to speak with you about the fillies.” “Okay...” Celestia said cautiously. “I wanted to tell you how happy the panel was to find the three of you, and how wonderful it is that you came together. Not everypony has so lucky to be accepted with those they came with. I am concerned though. “In times past, ponies as young as Celestia and Luna were chosen as apprentices regularly but in those times children were not often allowed to be children long. In these modern times we are loath to place a burden as heavy as that the Choir charies on such a young ones head.” “What are you saying?” Tourmaline asked, worriedly. “Tourmaline, the panel would love to have them in the choir. They show enormous promise but are still very young. They need constant supervision. Especially Celestia,. He laughed to himself. “We will allow them to proceed, but there is one caveat: We ask that you assume responsibility for them for the duration of their training.” “Oh that’s not a problem at all! Who better? I doubt their mother would allow them to attend training otherwise.” “Wonderfull! I am very glad to hear it!” He offered Tourmaline a hoof to shake, which she accepted. “Well, we much continue out interviews. There are many more promising candidates waiting just beyond that door so I must be off. If you would, please take the fillies through the marked door on the left out in the hall. The proctors will guide you to the final test.” “Don’t worry High Horse, the girls will make everypony proud.” “I’m sure they will, as I am sure you will as well. I wish you all the luck in the word and I hope to see you soon,” he stuttered and blushed for a second, “Oh ah all , all of you soon.” Tourmaline smiled and tried not to blush back, “Of course... I, uh, guess we’ll see you after the test?” “I’ll be at the celebratory dinner. Maybe then,” he answered. Tourmaline walked back out to the hall to find the sisters giggling madly. They both broke out into sing song, “Miss Tourmaline and High Horse sitting in a tree. K I S S I N G...” “You girls are EVIL!’ Tourmaline cried and tried to escape through the side door High Horse told her about with the fillies in hot pursuit. “Then comes baby in the baby carriage!” “EVIL!”