//------------------------------// // A Late Night Delivery: 2 // Story: Spike's Comics Section // by Ponyess //------------------------------// I had been reached by an unexpected notification of books to be delivered to my Royal Library, as the message expressed it. For some undisclosed reason, there is just this one message notifying me of the delivery, no verification or claim of any other kind. Just as I read the note, Spike entered the small office. “Hi, Spike!” I greeted him. “Hi, Twilight. What are you reading?” he enquired in a curious voice at the instant he saw the note and my reaction to it. “Just a list of books, due to arrive at our Royal Library. No date or time specified. No claims or verifications. I don’t even know what kind of books they are. All I have is the Titles of the books. Seems like a very small delivery, but I guess I could afford to accept them, since no price had been noted?” I responded. “New books, due to arrive at our Royal Library? Sounds exiting to me. Although I guess it is my duty to sort them and file them on their proper shelves, but still. Any special or interesting books on the list?” he responded, curiosity peaked even further. “Apparently, even though I never ordered any books. None of these are even on the list of books I was ever looking for. You will see them first thing, when they arrive at our door. I guess a few of these may be interesting, you can have a look at them. Yes, it is your duty!” I pondered. “I know, I am writing every order for you. Not that I mind, it is part of my duty as your assistant here at your royal Library!” he responded straight to the point, but he is right. “For the sake of our library and castle, I guess we can't decline the books, unless there is a serious issue with them. I know of no issues, before I can see the books in person, even if you are to deal with them first. I guess I could ask you to look out for any signs of what could be trouble? At least I know you have a very long experience with books!” I suggested. “I take it, you haven’t found any reason to decline? For now, I am looking forwards to see what we are given, even if it means I am duty bound to sacrifice hours of free time. Not that I had planned anything more important than a nap, which I could put aside for an hour or a few, I guess. If it is for the chance to discover an interesting book, either for myself or you, I wouldn’t regret it!” Spike responded. “Not that I have been serious about finding an excuse, I love my books too much, I guess. I know you do know that feeling. A few hours of nap time, if that is all we are sacrificing, I would have expected these surprise deliveries every week. I guess I am just happy for the once we do get, even if I may have to order them myself. On the other hoof, we do have some funds for ordering books to our Library, this is the Royal Library of Ponyville, not merely a rural village library, you know!” I rambled on as I was getting worked up and emotional on the subject. “Wait, I thought I heard something. A noise, could it be some Pony on the door?” Spike interrupted me. “I didn’t hear anything. Oh, wait. There it is again. Thanks, you are right, Spike. Where would I have been without you?” In the end, I used magic in order to open the door, saving me a few minutes. --- --- ---