"Well, that went over better than I thought it would."
"Twi," Spike gave the purple pony a weird look. "Celestia agreed with you 100% even before you began to talk. She even had the paper releasing Mr. Toby from service signed before you got there!"
"Exactly, Spike." Twilight gave a smile that beamed achievement. "I didn't have to argue and I got exactly what I came here for. That's why it went better than expected!"
"But there wasn't going to be an argument, there never wa-"
"Spike," Twilight interrupted. "You're ruining this moment I want to enjoy."
The dragon sighed. "Whatever you say, Twilight."
The two characters were on their way out of the palace after their meeting with Princess Celestia. Spike was still struggling with the scrolls he was carrying, while Twilight had a spring in her step as they walked back to Canterlot. It was about a little bit before noon. The sun shined brightly through the clear skies, side street stalls were open to the public, and everypony was coming out to enjoy the wonderful day. Nothing could ruin this beautiful day, Twilight thought. Well, her eyes sagged a bit from her recently acquired lack of sleep, except for maybe my need for caffeine. "Spike, why don't we stop by that cafe you like and have some tea and something to eat?"
"I sure hope they have rubies today," Spike rubbed his grumbling stomach. "I don't know long my aching stomach can last without a good plate of rubies."
Twilight smiled. "After all you've done the past week, Spike. Watching after Toby while he was recovering, organizing all my reports... I think you've earned a few rubies, maybe even a sapphire or two." The little dragon's resulting stomach rumblings were probably heard for miles around because of that statement. Twilight giggled, "I'll take that as a simple yes."
* * *
"Who wants a nice cup of tea?"
The voice and the door opening awakened me from my sleepy stupor. I rolled my head over to get a better look at where the noise came from. It was only Trixie entering the room, she carried two cups of tea and a playful smile. Miller, Toby. Philosopher. Lieutenant. The words echoed hollowly in my head, trying to force my mind to remember what has happened. Come on soldier, think! But nothing wanted to respond. My body lay limp, almost completely drained. Gathering what little energy was left, I attempted to lift a hoof to my face to rub the sleep from my eyes, but was stopped short. Glancing over to it, I could see that it was covered in dried blood and still tied to the bed post. Should have known, I’m still tied up. The situation hasn't changed. I took a deep breath, Wonderful start to this part of the day.
"Trixie would like an answer, but she can understand if you are overcome with ecstasy from the quick rump with Trixie. What pony wouldn't?" Her tone was all playful, clearly happy at what had transpired. "It is Trixie we're talking about."
The damn pony is full of herself, was all my thoughts could seem to say. I let my head sink back into the pillow. Weariness slowly beginning to take back over my body. Note to self: add this pony to the list of ponies that need to take a long walk off a short pier. I chuckled quietly to myself. That makes it two ponies then. Lord Swift-hoof-up-the-flank and Trixie, I paused in thought. I'm sure I'll think of a name for her soon enough.
"Though," she plopped herself next to me, setting the tea aside, "Trixie is quite impressed with your," she put a hoof on my chest and gave a coy smile, "abilities, if you will. So, Trixie has rewarded you with a cup of tea," she brought the cup of tea up to my mouth with her magic. "Don't be shy, just have a sip. Trixie made it herself." The tea was a bit hot and didn't taste like tea at all, but it didn't matter to my parched mouth. It eagerly welcomed the liquid slowly running down my throat.
"How was that?" She took the cup away from my lips. "Trixie only wants to please her guest."
"Come closer, please" I whispered, my voice strained to even respond. The blue pony leaned closer. "Closer," I whispered again. Again, she leaned in closer. Her face was near enough to be close, but kept her distance. I leaned up and whispered into her ear: "Your guest only wants you to take that cup, and go buck yourself."
"UGH!" the outraged Trixie shot back, taking a few steps away. "How rude! Trixie only wants please her guest and you treat her like this!"
"Yeah..." I lightly tugged at my restraints, wincing at the small sharp feelings of pain shoot up from my limbs. "You certainly know how to treat a pony right."
"Trixie just wanted you to stay put." A smug look began to form on her lips. "If you don't like the rope, Trixie can certainly get the leash and collar, if you want that."
The thought ran through my head, "No, I think I'm fine where I'm at now."
"That is what Trixie thought." She trotted out of the room. "Trixie will be in the next room. If you need anything, just say something. Trixie will be glad to help."
Like I would ask for anything, I thought, rolling my eyes. I let my head sink back into the pillow again. Miller, Toby. Philosopher. Lieutenant. My hollow thoughts rang out again. You'll be outta here soon, soldier. A glass of orange juice, yeah... orange juice, and you'll be back to normal. Somehow I managed to form a smile, but slowly, my weariness got the best of me. My thoughts began to drift. You'll make it, you'll make it back to her...
* * *
Twilight sipped her tea with a smile while Spike munched on the small bowl of rubies and sapphires in front of him. Canterlot was fully awake now, and the bustle of everypony out and about added to the ambiance of the street side cafe. The purple pony observed everypony going about their business, feeling the natural urge in her to be doing something productive. I’ve already completed the biggest thing on today's list of things to do, she thought to herself reassuringly, taking another sip of her tea. And besides, I'm way ahead of schedule for today, I'm sure a small break wouldn't hurt. She let her mind drift away in the midday sun.
"More tea, Miss?" A voice asked from behind her.
Twilight turned, "Yes, that would be grea- Swift?" There stood Lord Swift. He was in uniform, but his jet black mane wasn’t slicked back as usual, it was instead ruffled. Clearly, he was just flying. Nonetheless, there he was, quite to Twilight’s surprise and now appearing anger. So much for my good day. She thought to herself.
"You seemed so surprised," the white pegasus began. "Since when can't a friend stop and say hi these days?"
"But Princess Celestia said you would be out until tomorrow, or tonight at the earliest."
"Ah yes," the pegasus sat down, drawing an agitated look from Spike. "It would seem my use in Cloudsdale was very limited, so I got out a bit early. I thought, why not enjoy this beautiful day in Canterlot? Just thought I would enjoy some of the perks of being Lord Swift." His face shined with pride.
"Yes, I heard about that promotion." Twilight responded, clearly frustrated at his presence. "But, it would seem that you and a lot of other ponies had the same idea," Twilight took a sip of her tea. “Anyways, what brings you here, as in right here? Come to flaunt some more, your Lordship?"
"Well," Swift rolled his head in annoyance, "you can't quite enjoy a splendid day without a few other ponies." A cough from Spike and Swift stared him down for a few seconds, "Oh, and a dragon. My apologizes. So, when I saw you here all alone," another cough from Spike. "Well, not quite alone. I thought I would join you for a nice cup of tea, and see how you’re doing."
"Swift, I'm flattered," Twilight flashed a false smile that looked ready to turn to a snarl, "but I need to get going, I've got a busy day ahead of me, lots of things on the list today." She stepped away from the table.
"You wouldn't mind me asking what is on that list?"
"Well, I've got to buy some more parchment and ink." She motioned to the packet of scrolls and reports next to Spike. "While zealously writing my reports, I may have run out."
"Hmm," Swift thought for a moment. "Indeed."
"And," Twilight started, "I'm meeting up with Rarity to shop for clothes and fabrics." Spike's eyes lit up at that name and Swift couldn't help but roll his own.
"Then I have a nice dinner planned for Phil- Pinkie Pie back at Ponyville which requires some spices that I can only find here."
"Hmm, I see."
"So you see," Twilight paused. "I must get going." She placed a few bits on the table. "Come along Spike." The dragon sighed in half protest, picked up the bag of scrolls, and followed Twilight. "Um, it was nice to see you again, Swift." Though, I hope I don’t see you again anytime soon, Twilight thought.
Swift sat there for a few moments, watching them go. "He's still out there," he called out. That statement stopped Twilight in her tracks. She returned to the table, staring Swift down.
"What did you say?"
"OH!” Swift began his sarcastic reply, “Now you want to talk."
Twilight rounded the table and stood face to face with Swift, who now held a small grin. "Answer my question, Swift!"
"I think you heard me quite well, Twilight, but if I have to repeat myself, I will. He's still out there. Your friend may have found himself lost on his first assignment, or should I say your coltfriend by some the things I've heard." His grin only grew as he knew he had the upper hand.
"I don't have to have my actions approved by you!" Twilight shot back, now red with both embarrassment and anger. "In fact, I couldn’t care less. And what do you mean lost?"
"I just stopped by the palace for a few moments to check up on a few things, and it would seem that two out of three ponies on his assignment checked back in." He grinned as he chuckled a bit. "I look forward to reading their report later."
"Just. Tell. Me. Where. He. IS!" Twilight spoke through her teeth.
"There’s no need for that tone, Twilight, because I don't know," Swift spoke, feigning the innocent victim. "I haven't read the reports yet. Trust me, when I find out, you'll be the first to know.
Spike pulled at Twilight, "Come on Twi, we need to get going." But she only shrugged him off. Continuing to stare down the pegasus, her anger brewing.
"Yes, Ms. Sparkle." Swift sipped on his own cup of tea. "You have such a busy day ahead of you. You must certainly get to it. Don't let me hold you back."
"Don't think this conversation is over, Swift!"
"Oh, but I look forward to continuing this conversation later." Taking another drag of his tea.
"Come on, Twi," the dragon tugged again. "Not here, we've got better things to do than argue in public." Gesturing to the eyes of ponies watching around them. "And we don't want to keep Rarity waiting."
Swift waved the two goodbye. "Do try and enjoy your day, alright?" If he was waiting for answer to his wave, he never got one. The purple pony and the dragon walked into the market and then were out of sight. He took another long sip of his tea, a smile stubbornly holding its place on his face. My, my. What a wonderful day this has turned out to be, indeed.