“You look like you’ve never seen a train before.” Lyra chuckled in amusement at the look in Blue’s eyes. Sure, he was trying to hide it behind irritation over having to wait in line for a ticket, but he couldn't hide it from Lyra. Blue was taking the occasional glance at the long train that was the direct route to Canterlot.
“It really depends on your definition of train. We do have something like it, but it’s over so quick you would swear it was almost instantaneous.” Blue took the money from Lyra, having none of his own, and ordered two tickets as she began to walk toward the train, amusement in her eyes. Looking once more to the train, it puzzled him how they had not developed some quicker mode of transportation with their magic for long distances.
“I suppose that’s true, it does have a unique charm to it.” Lyra smiled warmly at the usher and trotted in as Blue handed over the tickets, looking around for the best seat. The Ponyville Express wasn’t known for being a booked train, so there was plenty of spaces to choose from. After a moment, Lyra chose one in the back of one of the middle carriages, and patted the seat next to her, giggling as Blue narrowed his eyes at her.
“So, how long does this trip take?” Blue glanced out the window, watching as the train pulled away and began to head on it’s way. It wasn’t hard to notice they were pretty much the only passengers. Blue wondered if this was normal, and one more glanced over Lyra, and out the window.
“Not long, you would swear it was almost instantaneous.” Lyra winked and turned to look out the window as well, watching the scenery go by. Hearing a sudden noise, she was actually surprised to see Blue was quietly suppressing a chuckle. After a moment, irritation overrode confusion and she opened her mouth.
“What’s so funny?” Lyra tilted her head, more confused than irritated. Blue’s eyes widened and he quickly looked away, turning around so his back was to Lyra. Narrowing her eyes, Lyra watched Blue glance back at her before once more letting her see the back of his head. Lyra’s eyes narrowed more as she saw him scratch the back of his head and mumble something illegible.
“What?” Lyra leaned in, still annoyed. Blue winced and glanced to Lyra before quickly looking away once more.
“Iwasjustthinkinghowcuteyoulookwhenyouwink.” Blue’s words were a jumble, and it took Lyra few few moments to realise why a blush was forming on her cheeks. Turning away to look at the window, she squeaked like a chew toy, and the train car was silent. Lyra felt her blush eventually fade, and returned her gaze to the window.
“Is there uh, anything else about me you think is, uh, cute?” Lyra scratched the back of her head and tried, and failed, to suppress her sheepish smile.
Blue didn’t answer.
“It is a pleasure to meet you again on more pleasant circumstances.” Princess Celestia bowed her head very slightly, and Lyra bowed much more deeply in response. Blue was slow to join her, but he did so eventually.
“Again, thank you for allowing us to take a respite from all the insanity surrounding Ponyville because of Blue, we really need it.” Lyra smiled and stood up straight once more, and Celestia smiled once in return. There was a sort of curious look to Blue, but if she had a question, she kept it to herself.
“This is Tenderhoof, he’ll be your custodian for your stay. If you need anything, just ask for him and he will assist you to the best of his ability. With this, I bid you farewell.” Celestia bowed once more, and walked away. Lyra looked to the gray pony with black hair and a butterfly cutie mark, and she was struck for a moment by how odd the bright pink mark looked on the stallion.
“If you could just show us to our rooms for now, that will be all. We are planning on going out, so if you know of any local gatherings tomorrow that would be great. Nothing too fancy, we don’t want to have to dress up for the occasion.” Lyra watched the stallion bow, and begin walking down the hallway. As they followed him, Lyra saw him open his mouth to speak.
“Of course Madam. There are a few venues hosting what I feel will be to your requirements that I will go and get you the information for as you settle into the room.” Amazingly, Tenderhoof said the entire sentence in one breath of air. Lyra didn’t know weather to be weirded out or amazed. Turning a corner, Tenderhoof unlocked a door and held out the key, giving a short bow.
“If that will be all, I will take my leave.” Tenderhoof waited patiently as Lyra quickly thought over if they would need anything. After a moment, she realised she was quite famished.
“Oh! Is there anywhere close by we can get a meal?” Lyra smiled warmly as she opened the door and took a look inside. It was a rather simple room, two beds and a single window leading onto a balcony between them.
“Meals are provided by the castle Madam.” Tenderhoof’s reply came quickly, and Lyra felt her stomach growl in pleasure. It was well known the food at the Castle was extravagant. Lyra turned and her eyes began to sparkle.
“In that case, I’d love a few small dishes so I can taste all the yummy food you have to offer, what about you Blue?” Lyra turned, catching Blue off guard. Pausing for a moment, he turned to Tenderhoof.
“Do you serve plain vegetables and fruit?” Blue received a nod in response, so he continued. Tenderhoof had pulled out a notepad and was scribbling on it.
“I’d like a single carrot, 1 boiled potato, some salt, and a single strand of celery. I’d also like an apple for the road.” Blue listed off the items that would give him a nice feast, and felt immense pleasure as they were written down. Finally, a meal that wouldn’t taste like dirt.
“That will be all, thank you Tenderhoof.” Lyra bowed her head in thanks to Tenderhoof, who bowed once in acknowledgement. Turning, he left them to enter the room. Lyra sat down on the bed, and purred as her body melted.
“Oh my Celestia this bed is awesome.” Lyra laid down and felt her eyes get droopy as the bed called her to with its perfect folds of comfort. Blue chuckled and sat down on his own, and nodded. They were indeed very high quality beds. Anyone would be hard pressed to sleep badly on beds like this. Soon enough, Tenderhoof returned with their food, and a piece of paper with a list of venues.
“Breakfast will be served tomorrow at 9, lunch is at 12 noon, and dinner at 6. If you need anything, just press the button near the door and I will come as soon as I am able.” Tenderhoof bowed, and left once more. Lyra sat down at the table in the room, a small 2 chair circular table, and began to eat the small plates of everything with relish. Surprisingly, she managed to fit everything in, and she returned to her bed and sighed happily.
Blue ate his slower, but enjoyed it just as much. Sitting on his bed, he looked to Lyra, who had closed her eyes. Lyra’s mouth hung open slightly and a small bit of drool was coming out of it, and she was fast asleep. Blue chuckled silently and pulled over the list of venues and quickly skimmed the list of possible places. It seemed a lot of them were semi-formal but there was one that was labelled less formally and looked more like a casual gathering. Leaning back to lay his head on the pillow, he folded his arms behind his head and thought quietly to himself.
Turning, a groan from Lyra caught his attention, she was calling his name in her sleep. Tossing, she rolled closer to the wall and shivered, subconsciously pulling the covers over her. Blue watched Lyra groan for a moment before realising she was having a nightmare. Blue was puzzled slightly, weren’t pony dreams protected by some sort of legendary?
“Don’t, go.” Lyra groaned in her sleep once more, and turned to face Blue, reaching out to the air beside her on the bed. Blue closed his eyes and breathed out silently, standing up and walking over to the bed. Turning around, he lifted up the covers and sat down on the bed next to Lyra, before laying down in front of her. Lyra was now between the wall and Blue.
Pulling the blanket over them both, Blue gently grabbed Lyra’s arm from behind him and brought it around his body. After a moment, Lyra’s body responded and she began to hug him from behind, curling up around him like he was a teddy bear. After a moment, her groaning stopped, and she settled into a deep sleep. Blue attempted to leave, but his movement only made Lyra grip him harder. Pulling the pillow down to his head, Blue settled in for a unique sleeping experience.