Shackles and Friendship

by Zaibatsu


Chapter 45 - Scatterbrained

Shackles and Friendship
Chapter 45 - Scatterbrained
Edited by AndyGrey
Pre-read by AndyGrey

“Hasbro does not own ponies. Ponies own Hasbro. A part of their master plan for world conquest.”
~ From operative within Hasbro before he went missing


=========[Two days ago, Canterlot Castle]=========

“What do you mean I can’t go in!?”

“Direct orders from The Pr-”

“The Princess! I know!” Inquest yelled. “You said that already!” He glared at the guard, wishing he could just teleport the stubborn pony atop Canterlot mountain. He could, of course, but that would only worsen his already strained relationship with Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna harbored no favors for him.

Still recovering and physically confined to bed, Inquest was forced to teleport himself along with his bed and everything attached. Once out, he simply levitated his way towards the sky bridge leading to the research wing. Only to find it heavily guarded. At first he was relieved to see the place under such extreme security, but was immediately angered to find himself barred from entry.

“Inquest!” a voice chouted from behind. Unable to even turn his head around to look, Inquest was forced to rotate his hovering bed towards the voice. He groaned at the sight of Captain Shining Armor’s approach.

“Unless you’re here to order these stubborn fools out of my way,” Inquest spoke in a heavy and tired tone, “I suggest you turn and trot away. I have neither the time nor the energy to argue with you.”

“You are injured!” the Captain shouted.

Inquest glanced down at his body, two of his limbs heavily bandaged and hanging off supports. His eyes widened in a feign look of surprise. “No? Really!?” he replied with heavy sarcasm.

Inquest knew such a response would serve no purpose but only worsen the situation. But at the moment he didn’t care, either due to being heavily medicated or simply because he was still mentally exhausted, likely a combination of both. Certainly not the best condition to approach the ‘visitor’, but time was ticking and he needed answers to crucial questions.

He needed to interrogate this ‘Jo’ as soon as possible.

If Inquest’s reply had any effect, the Captain didn’t show it. His stoic glare remained as he move right next to Inquest’s hovering bed. “Should I remind you that you are currently under tight scrutiny of the nobles? After the damage you’ve done, losing your title should be the least of your worries.”

Inquest glared hard at the Captain, eyes unflinching and fierce. “Thirty-seven ongoing research destroyed. A hundred and eighty-nine ongoing experiments stunted or botched beyond salvage. Roughly three-hundred-and-sixty-four-thousand bits worth of destroyed machines, tools, and instruments. Twelve of which were prototypes created by myself. Including the battery gems and damage to the building, I estimate the total cost of my actions to match what Equestria generates in three-point-two years. But those are merely monetary costs, the loss of data and potential discoveries I have thwarted, those costs are incalculable.”

The air filled with tension as Inquest’s expression hardened.

“And I would do it again,” Inquest continued, his voice was low and calm, yet it seemed to carry a great weight. Shining Armor had to struggle not to flinch. “I am fully aware of the extent of my actions. I don’t need anypony to tell me what I have or have not done. Especially not from a youngling like you. I’ve held my position and done my part in defending Equestria longer than you’ve been alive colt.”

Shining Armor couldn’t argue against this fact, it was all true. He would never admit it, but at one point in his life Shining Armor looked up to and perhaps even idolized the old pony. He heard the rumors, the stories, read in detail Inquest’s accomplishments. Many originally assumed Inquest’s greatest gift to Equestria would be in the progress and research of magic as well as in advising the Princesses.

But many then realized that Inquest is a unicorn of many gifts. He has acted as ambassador and once helped the Gryphons select their next leader. But most of all, he was willing and able to take action when it was needed.

An avalanche threatened a community of bisons at the foot of the Frozen North. They were saved simply because The Professor had been there to study their unique powdered medicines. Such feats of magic and bravery were inspirational to many, though some found it hard to believe a single pony could accomplish so much. It was only when Shining Armor obtained his position that he gained access to certain sensitive information. He quickly discovered what he had known about the old pony hardly scratched the surface.

Despite knowing all this, Shining Armor would not back down. He might not have matched his accomplishments to Inquest, but he was still Captain of the Royal Guard. He was the Princess's guardian and protector of Equestria’s seat of power. He worked tirelessly, literally through sweat, magic, and blood to earn his rank.

He would not back down. Not even from his childhood hero.

“Return to your room,” Shining ordered with renewed determination. His voice and tone matching Inquest’s in intensity.

Perhaps it was because both were unicorns, for as they glared each other down with neither flinching or giving in, magic seem to hum in their confrontation. Whether or not their realize it, both horns had a near imperceivable glow as their determinations clashed. For the two unfortunate guards nearby, it suddenly felt harder to breathe, hair standing on ends as static seem to crackle in the air.

If there was a sudden opening for an expedition to the deepest depths of Tartarus, they’d jump in. Anything to get out of this situation.

“That’s quite enough you two.” To the relief of the guards, the tension in the air completely dissipated as both Inquest and Shining Armor turned and immediately bowed, though Inquest only managed a low nod.

Celestia trotted with an air of calm, casually gazing at the two with a slight irritable expression.

“You know it saddens me to see you two so hostile towards each other,” she spoke, her voice ever so motherly.

“I apologize Princess.” Shining Armor distanced himself from The Professor further nullifying the hostility. “But The Professor refused to return and is demanding entry into the research wing.”


Celestia sighed. “Captain, I would like a private moment with The Professor please.”

“Of course Your Highness.” With a bow both Shining Armor and the guards trotted away.

Celestia waited till they were out of earshot before she started. “What do you want Inquest?” she asked in a flat tone.

“To interrogate the ‘visitor’,” he replied in an equally monotone voice.

“Can this not wait till after your recovery?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“For two reasons. One, I believe time is a factor here. I have no proof of this other than my instincts, I simply feel that we must act now. Two, I also need to create a more suitable containment for the ‘visitor’. Due to circumstances at the time, I was rushed in creating the prison without due planning. It was merely to hold her long enough till I am able replace it with something more appropriate.”

Celestia closed her eyes in thought while Inquest waited for her judgement.

“I shall grant you access,” Celestia began, “but only for you to create a better prison. Not for any interrogation.” Celestia expected Inquest to argue but he merely waited expressionlessly for her to finish. “You will also be accompanied by no less than six guards at all times during the entire process. Am I clear?”

“Then exactly when will she be interrogated?”

“Soon. I am currently contemplating how to approach this matter.” Celestia paused for a moment. “We are not the only ones who wish to question her.”

“The human,” Inquest replied immediately.

Celestia smiled at this. Inquest hardly needed any time to contemplate to deduce that answer. Age had not dulled his sharp mind, it may have further polished it.

“I strongly object to this Princess,” Inquest advised.

“Under what grounds?”

“Whatever it originally had planned, the ‘visitor’ obviously needed the human-”

“Rodney,” Celestia interrupted.

Inquest nodded. “The ‘visitor’ obviously needed Rodney for something. She did, after all, target him in the first place. Having him so close to her, even under watch, may prove to be a mistake. At least not until we know, explicitly, what her objectives are. ”

“You prefer them kept afar?”

“Yes. Though I understand him wanting to question her. In the brief time they interacted, I saw Rodney had been greatly disturbed. What they spoke about I cannot say. It is perhaps best that we question him as well. He might know of her intent.”

“...I will take that under advisement. Though I will not coerce him. What he chooses to reveal will be up to him.”

While he didn’t agree with that decision, Inquest choose not to argue against it. “I would also wish to implement a strict rotating system when guarding her. As I’ve said, this creature has an uncanny means subvert one’s mind. No less and no more than two guards should venture inside for inspection, and should be given two days reprieve to recover from any mental tamperings. Despite her ability, she would still need a certain amount of time to implant any suggestion or gain control.”

Celestia gave him a nod. “I will allow you to work together with the Captain on both rotations and creating the new prison.” Celestia gave Inquest a look as he grumbled. “Be nice to him Inquest.”

“Fine,” he sighed. “I suppose making him feel important once in a while won’t hurt.”

Celestia could only shake her head.

“When and who will question the human? As I’ve said before, keeping him away from her is imperative. So it’s best if we send someone to him rather than bringing him here.”

Celestia gave him a nod. “Would you care to go? After you’re done?”

Inquest thought for a moment but shook his head after. “It’s best I stay here, close to the ‘visitor’ as I can be. I’m needed both in keeping her imprisoned and recapturing her should she escape.”

Much as she wished to give Inquest the rest and relaxation he needed and earned, Celestia couldn’t argue against that reasoning. Even if she could, Inquest will no doubt talk himself out of it, as he always did on such topics.

“Then who would you recommend?”

Inquest’s first impulse was to choose Captain Shining Armor, just so he could be rid of him. But then another idea came to mind. Celestia chose not to question the human under duress, but there was another who could challenge her authority. That’s not to say she would, but her presence alone tended to place ponies on edge. She had her own ways of getting answers.

Inquest smiled. “I have somepony in mind.”

=========[Presently, in Golden Oaks Library]=========

‘Oh god this is so uncomfortable!’

That was an understatement. After our initial meeting in front of the library, Luna and I moved to the main room of the library. Luna told the others, not so subtly I might add, to leave while she and I have a moment of privacy. So at the moment Twilight, Shine, and Spike are somewhere in town doing...whatever.

So now it’s just me and Luna, alone, and neither of us have spoken anything. Which made things tense and worrying. She was just sitting there across the table staring at me. I can’t even tell whether she was accusing me of anything or not, she’s impossible to read.

I tried several times to start a conversation, but every time my voice would get stuck at the last moment. Once I actually ended up choking. Despite how suffocating the anticipation was, I also didn’t want the conversation to start. Considering recent events, it was easy to guess why she came. Furthermore this visit was...different. For one thing none of her usual guards were nearby, in fact I saw no sign of them anywhere. Which likely meant this visit was ‘behind the curtains’ as they say.

“Rodney.”

“Ah!”

Ok, I for one would like to just say that I was merely startled hearing her call me all of a sudden. My voice did not, in any way, ever come close to what anybody would consider as ‘girly’.

“Uhm, sorry.”

While her expression was still stoic, she did tilt her head slightly to the side as if puzzled. “What happened during your abduction?” she asked, her voice calm and clear.

I didn’t immediately answer her. Rather I spent a few moments contemplating how or whether or not I should really answer that question. Knowing this was coming, I had originally come up with some semblance of a plan. But I never expected Luna herself to question me, I was expecting some official or a member of the Royal Guards. So what plan I had went out the window.

“Uhm,” I mumbled while nervously twirling my fingers, and old habit. “N-no comment.”

“Do you know this entity?”

“No. This is the first time we’ve met.”

“Hmm, though reports mention you seemed to-”

“No comment.”

“I see.” She didn’t press for answers, but merely stared at me again in silence. That only made me more nervous.

Then, out of the blue, she asked, “So have you begun to teach?”

“...What?”

“Teach,” she repeated, this time with a smile. “Is that not what you said you wish to do? School has already begun if I am not mistaken.”

“I...” It took me sometime to actually remember what Luna was talking about. Yes, last time we talked in person was back in Canterlot. I had in fact told her I wanted to be a teacher, which she encouraged. To her that might have been my entire reason to leave for Ponyville.

“Well-uh, no. I mean not yet.” I answered, the nervousness slightly ebbing. “I kinda got caught up in some things. First I was focused in making sure the town accepts me, you know, so they don’t go all crazy with this.” I raised an open hand and from my palm blue fire ignited to life as I focused my magic outwards.

“A wise decision. Though from what I’ve heard it was a rough road.”

I sheepishly scratched the back of my neck. “Yeah, you could say that. It’s how I ended up living with Rarity. I’m kinda indebted to her for...things.”

“Things, as in, levitating her entire abode and throwing the entire town into panic?”

Surprisingly I managed to smile and even chuckle. “Yeah, something like that. But completely an accident! I swear!” I quickly added.

“Yes, I know,” she replied calmly. “And of course, then comes the dragon.”

I gulped. “Yeah, him too.”

Her horn started to glow softly as a pair of cups levitated from the kitchen towards us. As it landed on the table in front of me, I saw it was already filled with golden liquid. Tea no doubt. But something confused me. I held the cup, felt its warmth, and turned to look at the kitchen.

“Did you…” I glanced at the cup, at the kitchen, then at Luna. “Did you make this?” With a curious look she gave me a nod. “Just now?” Another nod. “How exactly?”

“I don’t understand, I simply made it. Twilight keeps a small supply in case my sister happens to drop by for a visit.”

“But you made it just now right? How did you make it without actually being in the kitchen? Even if you knew where everything was in the kitchen, to make this with magic without actually being there is, well, just how? Did you actually control each object, draw water, steep the tea, drain it and serve with magic and without looking? How could you even tell where things are?”

Luna looked at me, her smile widening. “Now I see what Twilight means.”

“Excuse me?”

Luna chuckled lightly, which sounded almost like bells. “As you know Twilight keeps both my sister and I informed of your progress.” I nodded at that, it was obvious. “Out of the many descriptions she has for you, the one most often mentioned would be ‘scatterbrained’. And I can see why.” I’m not exactly sure what expression I had but Luna chuckled again at my reaction. “I’m certain she meant it in the best way. In fact, that’s exactly how Celestia describes Twilight when she reminisce. Always leaping onto something new, trying to learn everything at the same time and hungry for more.” She gave me a smile while taking a sip of her tea. “You see? Scatterbrained.”

“Whatever,” I grumbled, not quite buying her reasoning.

Luna’s smile merely widened at that. “But back to the original topic, are you still interested in teaching?”

I sighed. “To be honest, not at the moment. I spend most of my time working the boutique and studying with Twilight. Most of my free time goes to learning runes.”

“Ah, runes. A favoured subject of mine. A warning however, it is a venture you must commit a great deal of time in order to truly earn its benefits. No matter how talented one is, you will need to spend decades to truly master.”

“As Twilight have warned me, and I’m starting to see that as well. I’m already having trouble with the introductory books Twilight gave me. Also doing the actual engraving is getting costly, I’m going to have to save up to buy the proper tools and stuff. But as I’ve told Twilight; I have a feeling it’ll be worth it. There’s something there. I just know it.”

Luna gave a nod. “Hold to that feeling, in this age many have forgotten how to listen to their instincts.”

‘Well you certainly won’t have that problem eh?’

“But I still encourage you to teach, not only for your future students but for yourself. Ponyville school would be an excellent start. You will learn the small nuances of our world and customs by simply being there and observing the children behave.There is plenty to gain and little to lose.”

I gave her words some thought. She was right, just because I’m a teacher doesn’t mean I won’t learn anything. Despite the amount of time I’ve already spent in this world, there are a few things I still find strange and odd. Who’s to say I won’t insult someone or break a taboo by accident due to ignorance. Still, the question remains, the hell am I suppose to teach?

“I’ll think about it.”

“That is all I ask,” she replied with a pleased smiled. “Now, where are you and what are you having trouble with?”

“Pardon?”

“Did I not mention that runes are a favoured subject of mine?” she reminded. Luna threw a look as she sipped her tea. “If I were you, and I found myself in the presence of a wise and experienced individual…”

‘Self-praising much?’

“...who happens to be a master of an art that I endeavour in. Would it not be a wasted opportunity if do not ask for some guidance?”

My face was split into a wide smile that showed my teeth as I, almost without effort or thought, magically pulled out an empty book and writing utensils from Twilight’s personal supply cabinet. I’ll apologize and pay for them later.

Luna mirthfully laughed, certainly delighted at my sudden enthusiasm. “I thought as much.”

=========[Many hours later, Canterlot Castle]=========

Celestia impatiently tapped the floor with a hoof. She tried her best to divert her attention, but even revisiting tax laws could only do so much. She was tempted numerous times to send an envoy to Ponyville, or a letter to Twilight. But she knew Luna would disapprove, she was entrusted with this task and any attempts to pester or question her progress would only draw her ire. Luna had always been the type of pony to finish what she set out to do at her own pace.

Though at times, Celestia wondered if Luna purposefully prolong her tasks just to irritate.

Gazing out the window of her private room, Celestia watched as the sun continue its slow descent over the horizon. As a precaution she closed her eyes and attuned herself to the burning celestial body, double checking if everything is in order. Finding things as it should be, Celestia let out a tired sigh as she continued to wait.

“Luna, what are you up to?” she spoke nervously, her voice barely a whisper.

Celestia’s hoof started tapping the floor.

=========[Golden Oaks Library]=========

“I’m not asking whether it’s possible or not! I’m asking, if it’s possible, is there a limit to rune size?”

“Rodney, how many times must I repeat myself? No instrument of any kind can engrave runes at a scale as you described! The idea is unfeasible!”

“But let’s say we can!” I yelled defiantly.

Luna let out an audible sigh. “Then yes, I would say there is a limit. You cannot infinitely make runes smaller. Though I doubt we would ever need to engrave runes in the...what was it you called it?”

“Microscopic,” I answered.

I drank what might have been my seventh cup of tea before grabbing the pot and refilling it again. What started as a teaching session quickly turned to an all out debate regarding both practical and theoretical knowledge on runes. As our arguments of what’s possible and impossible with runes became more heated, we started shouting till our throats dried out. Hence the ever flowing tea. I don’t even like the stuff, a bit too bitter for my taste. Though I really didn’t care, I simply drank what was there to wet my throat so I could throw my arguments back at Luna’s face.

I had also given up writing all this down, my hand still ached from all the writing. Besides I had gotten enough earlier on to give me a head start on my own studies. Still there was plenty of loose paper strewn about the large table. Most were my work, notes from Luna’s impromptu study session. But a few contained diagrams, magically drawn by Luna herself, detailed drawings of runic designs and their workings that were way beyond my understanding. Though it would end up being extremely helpful later on as I approached more advance material.

Needless to say that both of us lost track of time, or even if we didn’t, neither of us wanted to stop. It became a matter of pride almost, neither of us wanted to let the other have the last word. This was as fun as it was enlightening for me.

“I cannot even imagine how complex and delicate such an instrument must be in order to engrave runes at such a minute scale.” Luna shook her head in disbelief. “Smaller than the edge of a single strand of hair, preposterous.”

I merely rolled my eyes at that. “You know, for someone who calls herself “wise and experienced”, you’re surprisingly closed minded.” Luna’s eyes quinted ever so slightly as she stared me down from across the table, looks like she took offense at that. “If you could create runic systems at such a level, it opens up new doors to incredible things. For one thing, objects like tiny accessories that were once too small to work with suddenly becomes viable. Heck pretty much anything becomes viable if you can engrave on a microscopic level.”

Despite that argument Luna didn’t seem satisfied after being called “closed minded”.

“Look, we’re just throwing ideas here. Of course I know it’s not possible, yet. But it’s certainly an interesting idea isn’t it? That’s kind of the problem I’ve noticed with you ponies.”

This certainly took Luna’s attention. “Would you care to elaborate on that?” she asked with a raised brow.

“Well, to put it simply, you ponies lack imagination.” Luna’s mouth had already moved but before she could get a word out I continued. “Actually, sorry, I think “imagination” is the wrong word to use. And in no way am I saying you ponies are dumb,” I quickly added. “I mean, have you met Twilight?”

This caused Luna to chuckle.

“Twilight’s intelligent, talented, driven, all that and more.” I scratched my head as I tried to piece together a way to properly explain what I meant. “Which is why I find it odd that I managed to impress her so easily. Like really impress her.” I casually raised a hand and gathered a small amount of magic to the surface of my skin, making it burn like a torch with blue flames. “Pretty sure you’re aware that Twilight’s been doing research on my magic and all that, how it works, unique properties, etc.”

Luna gave a confirming nod.

“Well, what I meant by impressing Twilight has nothing to do with my magic.” The flames winked out as I pulled it back inside me. “I’m talking about ideas. Not a theory or even a hypothesis, just ideas based on what I’ve read and what I learned from her. A few actually drove her up the wall when I shared it with her.” I relaxed and leaned back as Luna patiently waited and listened to my explanation, which went on longer than I expected.

“So, Twilight, being far more intelligent and knowledgeable than most, if not all ponies, acts as an excellent test base for Equestria’s accumulated knowledge on magic. Thinking about it longer, I realized there’s a good chance that the ideas I share, the ones that surprise or impressed her, were of ‘the first’. And what I mean by that is, until I arrived in this world, nobody has ever thought of them. Or at least, not yet or in the way that I had.”

I paused to let that last sentence linger. Luna’s far-off look showed she was mulling this over, at least I think she is. Expecting a counter argument I waited, but seeing as she didn’t speak after some time, I took that as a sign to continue.

“I’m more inclined to say that it’s a difference in how we think. Now I’m not saying that all humans are like me. I’m not saying that I’m special or unique amongst humans, it’s quite possible it’s just who I am.” Then, finally, it clicked. With a clap, which startled Luna, I continued with a smile. “Explorers, that’s what you're missing.”

“Explorers? Let me inform you that ponies, especially pegasi, are excellent explorers. And we have more than enough.” Luna informed. “And I don’t see how being an explorer has anything to do with-”

“Not in the traditional sense, no,” I interrupted. “I’m talking about the mindset. Researchers like Twilight break things apart, see them in detail, and try to figure out how each component work with one another. They focus on the question; how does it work? But explorers have a mindset optimized for discovery. Rather than breaking things apart to answer ‘how?’, they do it to answer; what’s possible?”

This, finally seemed to click for Luna as I noticed her eyes widened ever so slightly. “I see,” she confirmed. “This is rather enlightening. Continue.”

“The main difference between Twilight and I is not in how we learn or discover, we pretty much do the same thing. We break things apart to its components and research them. The difference, is the question we’re trying to answer. Again, Twilight is mainly interested in knowing how things work. Where as I ask the question; what can I make these components do for me? That’s discovery. That’s how explorer’s think.”

“And how exactly do you go about answering that question?” Luna asked, her eyes curious.

I shrugged. “I just mess about.” Luna would never accept that as an answer, and I knew that, which is why I gave it. Just to dangle the real answer a bit for fun.

“And exactly how does this “mess about” work?” she asked irritably.

“Not sure really. It depends. We break something apart and find A, B, C, and D. Twilight and I would then figure out how each work with one another. However, when putting them back together I would go B, D, A, and C in that order then see what happens. You know, mess about.”

“And what happens if that combination results in something dangerous? Something you can’t foresee? Your idea of ‘messing about’ sounds like a recipe for disaster.”

I gave Luna another carefree shrug. “Never said exploring is risk free. All we can do is pray and hope to survive whatever discovery we stumble upon.”

“Truer words have never been spoken. Which is why I find it hard to believe it came from you,” Luna replied mirthfully. I rolled my eyes letting that jab pass by. “Thank you Rodney. That has truly been enlightening. Though I must rebuke you, we do have ponies such as you describe.”

I waved that off. “Of course, I’m sure there are. What I’m arguing is that maybe we humans have more of them in number than you do. Perhaps we’re simply more inclined to that kind of mindset. But look, I’m not trying to make myself grander or larger than I am. I’ve just been wondering why Twilight seemed so easily impressed by ideas that, for me, seemed to come naturally. Besides, just thought you’d like to know the reason should you see Twilight acting all crazy and driven all of a sudden.” I smiled. “Well, more than usual.”

Luna laughed. “I appreciate that. Thank you.”

‘I hope this doesn’t jinx it, but did we just had a pleasant evening with Luna?’

My smile widened. ‘I guess we did. Who would’ve thought.’

“Well I suppose it is time I head back,” Luna informed. She stretched her neck here and there getting the stiffness out. I stood and did the same, cracking a few joints in the process.

“Holy damn what time is it?” I looked out the window to see it was already night. “Shit, I told Rares I’d help with dinner. Sorry Luna but I gotta split.” I quickly gathered all the notes, loose papers, and carefully stuffed it inside the book I used.

“Ah, I almost forgot.” Luna turned to look at me with a flat look. “In regards to your letter; due to the complexity and sensitive nature of the situation, your request has been denied.”

Hearing that, my hand immediately froze.

‘Ah, looks like I did jinx it.’

It was only for about a second before my brain kicked back into gear. “Yeah I figured that would be the case,” I replied, faking a casual tone. “Didn’t think you guys would let me. Still, figured I should at least try.”

There was a lingering silence as Luna gazed at me, likely analyzing my reaction and what not. “May I ask the reason behind such a request?” she eventually asked, her eyes still analyzing. “There's no doubt that she is no ally, which makes your request that much more...confusing.”

Should I explain why I’ve refuse to answer her questions? If you think about it logically, there really isn’t any reason why I shouldn’t. In fact, I should cooperate with Celestia and Luna regarding the incident. It might be the only way they would allow me to talk to her.

But that’s never going to happen. This…this was too close to the heart. That might sound cheesy and cliche, but that’s the truth of it. I wanted to see her, but I know that face is just a fake. I wished to hear her voice, but she would use it to lie. I knew if I reached out to feel her skin, she would hurt me in return. I even prayed to forget her, but now she’s always in my dreams.

“The reasons are my own,” I answered, in a tone that told her not to question it any further. “However,” I continued hesitantly, “it's nothing...damaging for you or Equestria. It's purely personal.”

Luna gave a nod as if she understood, whether she did or not I’m not sure. “In that case, I shall convene with Celestia again and discuss this further. Nevertheless, I thank you for your time. This was a pleasant evening. It was refreshing. Far more enjoyable than dealing with wor-” Luna suddenly shut her mouth tight, her eyes slightly wide.

I too froze, though I had a huge, and I mean huge grin spread across my face. I caught that slip.

“Luna,” I called slowly with a slight teasing tone. “You wouldn’t happen to have spent all this time with me just to skip out on your responsibilities did you?” Luna’s lips pressed tight as she suddenly found the wall to the side interesting enough to stare at. “You couldn’t be. Cause that would be awfully irresponsible thing to do. Certainly not the kind of behaviour suitable for someone of your stature and position. Imagine, Princess Luna, skipping work. The scandal! How would your subjects react to that I wonder?”

“Oh enough with thy allegations! Thou art dismissed!” she snapped. Apparently I had annoyed her enough for her to revert back to that olden style speech manner. She gave me a murderous glare full of ill intent, which would have been effective were it not for the embarrassed blush on her cheeks.

I had a lingering suspicion Luna might have let that slip intentionally for my own sake. Just to diffuse the tension. If she did, I can respect that, and I appreciate it too seeing as she allowed herself to be teased like that. With a smile and all the things packed, I bid a hasty retreat with a grin on my face. Besides, the best is yet to come.

I couldn’t help giggling as I walked back to the boutique. Several ponies along the way gave me suspicious looks as I chuckled and laughed to myself like I had gone mad. Couldn’t help it I just kept imagining what Twilight’s reaction would be tomorrow. She’s always taken immense pride in being Celestia’s student, but she’s never been Luna’s. Which is why I can’t wait to tell her that I spent a whole evening being tutored by and brainstorming with Luna herself. That’ll blow her head off with envy.

Once she calms down, then I’ll mention the notes and runic diagrams Luna drew herself.

Oh yeah, definitely looking forward to tomorrow’s session with her.