I continued to sit there on the cold, marble floor with my head buried in Pinkies mane as I unloaded all my pent-up emotions and for a moment I thought I was never going to stop but I knew that I would eventually so I just allowed myself to continue on until there was nothing left to give. I am not sure how much time actually passed but after an eternity or so I finally felt my body just a little bit lighter as my insides started to expand like normal. Taking in a few deep breaths and using my long sleeve to wipe my eyes clean I leaned back to a normal sitting position but I still had my eyes closed.
Breathing in deeply through my nose and exhaling with my mouth calmed my body down and once I felt myself be still instead of twitching I opened up my tired, red eyes to see myself surrounded by warm, smiling faces though I few of them had tears of their own but they still smiled for me. This caused me to sprout a faint smile of my own for a few seconds, deciding to stand up so I could stretch I shifted one leg around to stand on while I used the other as my base.
Guess this whole ordeal drained me a bit more than I expected cause the moment I lifted up to stand I felt myself wobble and almost topple over but thankfully Pinkie and Gilda caught my arms and I was able to use them fully stand. “You good?” Gilda asked.
“Yeah, sorry about that” I said to her.
“Don't worry about it, I understand” she replied back and with a couple of pats on the back to reassure me. “So, what are you gonna do now?”
“I am not sure, I kinda want to do something to take my mind off things for a while” I explained in a slightly quieter voice. My eyes stared down and through the ground below me as my mind whirled about. I could not see it but everyone around me adopted a worried expression again but could not find the right words to say to me.
“I know!” Celestia said which surprised us all “Why don't we visit the local spa here in Canterlot?”
“Great idea Celestia!” Doc Feathers chimed in out of nowhere “A relaxing activity such as that would do wonders for him! It is proven that a stressed mind and body responds much better if such negativity is undone within a short period of time after the initial cause!”
“Wha?” Pinkie said with a dumbfounded expression.
“What he basically said is if Adrian gets this massage right now he will feel better sooner rather than waiting to get it later” Gilda explained in an annoyed tone, though I am not sure if she is annoyed at Pinkie or her Uncle.
“Oh! I get it! Your right Doctor Feathers! Now lets get going!” Pinkie excitingly said.
“Whoa, whoa there pipsqueak. Wheres the fire?” Gilda asked.
“Well we have to get to spa! Doctors orders!” Pinkie explained with a wink which got a laugh out of Doc but made the rest of us groan a little.
“Sister, which one of us is going with Adrian then?” Luna asked.
“What do you mean Luna?” Celestia responded back with.
“What I mean is who is going to stay here and handle court?” Luna said.
“Oh Luna, we both have been gone for a few days already. I don't think a few more hours will hurt” Celestia said with a childish grin “Besides I already have my aide, Raven, handling my affairs”
“We see.....well then what are we waiting for then?” Luna said with a childish grin of her own and with that she personally lead our group out and Gilda tried to join us but her uncle pinched her ear.
“And where do you think your going young lady? Science never rests! We need to go over the rest of Adrian's biometric information!” Doc explained to the now grumpy female gryphon.
Gilda grumbled something under her breath as she was forcefully dragged back through the doors and presumably back to the lab. I kinda felt bad for her but she is under her uncles strict supervision so there is nothing I could really do to stop it. But soon my thoughts drifted back to earlier and I found myself walked in a haze behind the four of them, the few times I came back to reality I had to pick up my pace a little so I did not get lost.
But I usually found myself wandering back into the depths of my mind and its thoughts, so much so that I had tuned out the outside world and did not notice the wooden pillar until I smacked into it. Suffice to say that brought my full attention back to the world around me, that and the fact that my nose was throbbing in pain. So I stopped and held my hands up to my nose “Ow, that hurt” I briefly said in a weird nasally voice.
“Adrian! Are you alright?” Twilight asked in a very concerned voice as the others raced back. I rubbed my nose a little before the pain settled down.
“Yeah. I wasn't looking where I was going. Sorry” I said in a low tone while I scratched the back of my head as I looked away. But before any of the others could say anything I felt something soft slide through my hand, so I looked down and saw Luna standing beside me with a smile on her face while my arm was draped over her.
“Then we shall assist you then” Luna said. I then felt something hop on my back and hooves wrapped around me, just as a pink face poked over my shoulder.
“Don't worry Adrian! I got your back!” Pinkie said with a wink. This made me give out a little laugh which only made Pinkie smile even wider than before.
“Will you be able to manage Adrian?” Celestia asked me while Twilight walked up to my other side.
Letting a smile out I said “I think I can manage with three Princesses guiding with and a Pinkie on my back”
“That is good to hear. The spa is just up ahead” Celestia said before leading our group again. With my attention drawn back to the world around me I finally noticed that we had left the castle already and were walking down one of the streets in Canterlot. It is amazing how different the cities look, I mean I have only seen three here in Equestria but still.
It looked so posh and clean, even the buildings seemed to shine even though they looked to be made of marble or some sort of stone. And even the looks of the ponies around were very different and it really made me feel like I had wandered into the high class part of town or something and the looks I got made me feel it even more so. I am not sure how to describe it, they were in awe and shock at the fact that all three Princesses were walking about so casually about town mixed with the confusion and maybe disgust of a strange creature like me being with them.
So needless to say I kept my eyes straight ahead and tried not to pay any mind to them and instead focus on something else though my mind drifted between their stares of disgust and my own depression over the events that just happened. I think Luna saw my face droop a little because she cleared her throat in order to catch my attention.
“So sister, do you think we might be lucky to have the twins here in Canterlot to give us a massage?” Luna asked.
Celestia turned her head around while she pondered this thought “You know, I am not sure. I do hope so though! I really enjoyed myself under their gentle care last time I was able to get out” she said.
“Well we shall find out soon enough for we have arrived dear sister!” Luna said as she pointed out with her hoof. I looked up ahead and I saw a sign that read 'Canterlot Day Spa', hmmmm the sign kinda looked familiar. Twilight seemed to be thinking the same thing when we walked in through the front doors.
“Celestia, when you and Luna said the twins, what were their names?” Twilight asked. Celestia would of answered but due to the bell ringing when we opened the doors we were met with a familiar voice.
“Hello and welcome to Canterlot Day Spa! How can I-” Lotus stopped dead in her tracks while giving her normal greeting. She was staring at the group of us in awe and wonder for a moment before she realized that I was here then she seemed to calm down and became a little nervous but smiled. “H-Hello there Princess Celestia! Princess Luna and Princess Twilight. I am honored that you all have stopped in today and I am equally glad to see you again Adrian”
“Oh? You have already met Adrian?” Luna questioned.
“Yes I have! We were in Ponyville at the time when Adrian stopped in with Princess Twilight and her friends” Lotus explained but while she looked at Celestia and Luna her eyes drifted over to me a few times. She must of also noticed my gloomy nature “Are you alright Adrian?”
I took a deep breath and exhaled before I forced a small smile on my face “Yeah. I just had a few very..... mentally exhausting days recently. Celestia had suggested taking me here to help me.... find some peace and relaxation” I took my time explaining to Lotus. I saw Pinkie and Twilight casting concerned glances at me.
But then I felt Lotus place her hoof on my leg with a smile on her face “Well then you came to the right place then, I hope we can help you” she said. I nodded in acknowledgment before she went back to the desk “So I suppose you will be having the Royalty Special I presume?”
“Indeed we will! For all five of us and as per usual please send the bill to the Royal Canterlot Bank” Luna instructed Lotus who was already busy writing out the bill and everything else. Once she was done writing she extended her hoof to the back “Well then will the ladies go on ahead and make yourselves comfortable. Adrian could you wait here till we bring you a larger towel?” she asked of me. I simply nodded again and watched as the four of them left but before Twilight disappeared behind the curtains she looked back at me with a worried look.
Even though my eyes were a bit hazy I smiled the best I could and ushered her to go ahead, which she did. It did not take long for Lotus to appear but she had a worried look as well and a frown to boot “Adrian, I just want to say that I am so sorry about my sisters rudeness last time. We were suppose to show you a good and relaxing time yet due to her foolishness she drove you away. I really am sorry and I would not blame you for wanting to leave or at least request somepony else to attend you” Lotus sadly said as she hung her head in shame.
Feeling something snap back into place inside my mind I quickly kneeled down and took hold of her hooves “No, please. It is not your fault Lotus. I understand what happened and while I will admit that I was kinda freaked out originally but that was before I knew why she did it. I had a small talk with her after Twilight.... properly explained some things to her and I told her that I am willing to give her a second chance but I had wanted some time away to get my feelings in order” I said to her.
Lotus looked up at me with teary eyes “Really? You are really able to forgive her?” she asked me.
I nodded “Yes but I told her that the next chance would be the last one and so if we were to ever see each other again we would act like normal. So for the time being I will allow Aloe to look over us, so she can come out from behind the curtain now” I said as I looked over to the obvious lump in the curtain behind us. I heard a gasp and though it took a little while, I eventually saw Aloe slowly walk her way over to us.
Lotus looked at us both before she handed me my towel “Well, I will get the water ready for the others. I will let you two.... hash things out” she said before going off to the back, leaving a rather sad and nervous looking Aloe alone with me.
Silence greeted the two of us as we looked at each other, trying to find the words to say but always coming up short. “Ad.....Adrian?” she quietly called out.
“Yes Aloe?” I replied.
“You don't....... you don't have to force yourself to be here you know” Aloe spat out which caught me off guard. “I saw how you looked when you walked in and even though we talked about it briefly back in Ponyville I know you probably hate me for acting like a..... like a...... wild beast” she bit her lip while she fought back her tears.
Sniffling a bit she looked back up at me “And now..... because of that I ruined everything. I really like you Adrian and I think your very handsome, even when I first saw you walking through Ponyville. So I let my guard down and tried to catch your attention but then I lost control of my heat and gave in” Aloe said and had let a few tears fall down her face “And now you hate me” she squeaked out while she quietly cried to herself.
I did not say anything but almost acting on instinct I reached out for her and though she flinched at my touch I gently pulled her in for a hug while I stroked her mane. At first I took a breath of air through my nose, as to not accidentally inhale her mane with my mouth, but then I took a few quick whiffs of the scent coming off of her mane and it reminded me of something she said back in Ponyville and I felt a genuine chuckle come out, which greatly surprised Aloe. Using her hooves to clear her eyes before looking at me “What?” she muffled out.
“Your mane smells nice, guess you really do use Fleur De Lis's Secret Collection everyday” I explained to her though this made her a bit confused. “Remember when I asked you what shampoo you liked and you said that your favorite was Fleur De Lis's and that you always use it?” I reminded her and it took her a moment to realize what I was talking about and she blushed at the thought.
“Y-y-you remember that?” she nervously said.
“I sure do, I try to remember what my friends like” I said as I smiled at her. She was utterly speechless and was looking at me like I just said I killed her cat or something. But it made her seem kinda cute and I chuckled again “What?” I asked her.
“Friend? Me?! But.... what I did to you” Aloe nervously sputtered out. I smiled more at her before pulling her back in for another hug.
“If I really hated you then I would not of remembered anything of our first encounter and I would of left the moment I saw Lotus greeting us. And I am sorry for how I looked coming in but like I briefly said to Lotus I have gone though a lot of mentally exhausting ordeals these past few days. So I am a bit out of sorts and would love to have a friend give me another excellent massage. Though this time without the 'special service' if you please” I said to her with a laugh.
I heard her sniffle again before she leaned her head into my chest and let out a few more tears “Thank you Adrian” she quietly muffled out before she took a few moments to recollect herself but when she leaned back she seemed nervous again but now had a slight blush “So....does this mean.....that me.....and you......could-” Aloe tried to say but fell short as her face exploded into red.
Chuckling once more I stroked her mane again “Sorry Aloe but another mare back in Ponyville beat you to it” I explained to her and she let out a sigh.
“Guess I should of known. Who is it, if I can ask?” Aloe said.
“Not saying yet, I am waiting till I get back and properly talk to her before we make it official or not. Besides I don't want any rumors spreading yet” I said with a wink but even though she blushed she laughed too.
“Can't promise that a rumor about you possibly dating a mare won't spread though” she replied back.
“Fair enough, well I think I better join the others before they get too worried” I said to her while I gave her one last hug “And thank you Aloe for making me feel a little bit better, my friend”
Once we finished our hug I stood up with my towel and helped Aloe back onto her own hooves “But I have to warn you, once you get done with my massage you might end up falling in love with these hooves instead” she jokingly said with a wink of her own. I could only smile and shake my head before I headed to a side room and like before using a basket to store my clothes before wrapping myself up.
But before I could step out I heard a knock on the door “Adrian? Its me Lotus. Can I talk to you for a moment?” she asked. Probably worried about what happened with her sister, so I let her in while I made sure my towel was probably secured. “I know it is none of my business but I am worried about her. So will you two be ok in the same room or?”
“Everything is fine and I am looking forward to her massage later” I simply told her with an added smile but I was so glad to see Lotus smile like she is now.
“Oh thank goodness, she had been so worried about what you thought of her and she was really sad for a while. Thank you Adrian for forgiving my sister” Lotus sincerely said with a few tears of her own but she quickly composed herself “So, I am just curious. Does this mean you and her are?”
I had to roll my eyes but I smiled as I leaned down and gently bopped her on the nose “You two are defiantly sisters, wanting to know all the details about my love life” I said to her with a chuckle “But like I told her, there is a mare back in Ponyville who beat Aloe to it but I won't say who until me and her talk about making it official or not” I reexplained.
Letting out a sigh of defeat Lotus turned back around “What a shame, but oh well. I hope everything works out for you. Now get that muscular body in here already!” Lotus said as she ushered me out. I quickly grabbed my basket and placed it by an open spot before walking up to the spa that had steam rolling off of it.
“Awwwww, Adrian! Your little cupcake tummy is gone!” Pinkie complained as she leaned halfway out of the water and over the edge. I looked back down at my bare stomach and I was surprised at how lean and muscular it looked. Thank you dragon magic!
I still blushed but I grinned this time “I did tell you I was working it off” I said to her but she still pouted as I made my way into the pool of hot water. Though I was quickly joined by Pinkie and Luna sitting on either side of me who were giggling away.
“Pray tell Pinkie, was Adrian not always so well toned?” Luna asked.
“Nope! The first time we came to the spa together he had a little stomach pudge, probably from eating one too many cupcakes!” Pinkie said and I felt myself blushing a little. Gah, I need to find some guy friends here so I don't get as embarrassed by these girls so often.
“We see, well we must say Adrian that you are excellent shape and quite handsome as well” Luna said as she lifted my arm to inspect the scars from the timberwolf attack.
Feeling a little playful I let out an exaggerated gasp “Luna! Flirting with your own little brother?! Forshame! I did not think that my own big sister was this scandalous!” I layed it on thick and it did the trick for Luna was as red as Applejacks own red apples.
And it looked like Celestia caught on this time as well “I quite agree Luna, it would be very bad if the ponies of Canterlot knew of such behavior” she said elegantly but then she shifted her eyes onto me and grinned “Although I cannot blame you for wanting to admire our cute and lovable little brother. Would you agree Pinkie?” Oh you traitor! Traitor!
“Most definitely! But then again my big brother always looks good!” Pinkie chimed in.
“So, what do you have to say now, little brother?” Luna said as she recovered from my attack and now I had taken her place and was blushing to hard that my head was starting to steam even more than the spa. I slowly sinked down into the water to try and escape but due to me being so tall I could only slide until my head remained above water while my long white hair danced around me in the water. This of course made the four of them laugh more and more, further adding to my embarrassment.
Thankfully I heard the sound of hoovesteps coming up the stairs and soon Aloe with a basket of bottles came up and was confused as to why I was head bobbing while the four mares laughed. But soon I rose back up to my normal sitting position as the water around started to bubble up and foam, which smelled almost like bubble gum actually. When I was sitting again I simply closed my eyes and let the warm water simply erase the stress away and though my mind still swirled I was honestly feeling a bit better.
“You feeling ok Adrian?” I heard Pinkie say so I opened my eyes and saw her looking at me with concern.
“Yeah, I am starting to feel a little better. Sorting things out with Aloe also helped and just relaxing here with my friends helps as well” I said but I turned my head to stare at the ceiling and let out a sigh “But it will take me a while to fully come to terms about my mother” I sadly stated but I felt Luna and Pinkie place a hoof on my shoulders, quickly glancing at them both I smiled before readjusting my seat. “But like I said, with my friends around I will find a way”
“And when we get back you can always have a cupcake or two whenever you feel sad or blue!” Pinkie exclaimed as she snuggled up with my arm. I had to lean down a bit but I placed my head on top of Pinkies and nuzzled her.
“Thanks Pinkie” I told her. After that we started some small talk while we soaked and once again I was made to comb out a mane though instead of Aloe it was Pinkies. Luna wanted hers done but due to her ethereal mane I could not actually comb it, much to her disappointment. But it was still nice to just do something simple while we talked. Once the water started to cool off we moved onto the massage table so the girls could get a hooficure before we all had to lie down for the massage.
Once again I saw Aloe walk up to my table with a nice smile but before she hopped up she asked “Are you sure you want me here? I could always get Lotus to be here instead”
I shook my head “No, its fine. Since I am giving you a second chance, I want us to start off with a clean slate. So far you did not 'accidentally' fall into the spa with me, so now all that is left is a massage which will make me fall in love with those hooves of yours” I said to her which caused her to giggle.
“I promise that you will, so lets begin then” she said before I felt her soft hooves on my back and began to work her magic again. Hopefully this time I can actually enjoy it without building more stress.
---------- 45 Minutes Later ----------
DING DING DING
“Ohhhhhh man, already?” I complained as I heard the timer go off, signaling the end of the session. Though the royal treatment was longer than normal ones I wanted even more. My back had turned into jello thanks to Aloes golden hooves and I was enjoying every second of it. I had even dozed off for about a two minutes and even though Aloe was nice enough not to say anything I heard Pinkie giggle-snort on her table which made me pout before I went right back to enjoying the massage.
But once I felt her get off I slowly made my way up and did a quick stretch I felt like my body was so much lighter and I was really happy. Aloe probably saw my goofy looking face cause she giggled before asking “So? Did you fall in love or what?”
I nodded my head before grinning “Oh yes, I fell in love with those hooves. But only them, nothing attached to them” I jokingly teased her with a playful wink which only made her puff her cheeks up while pouting. I held it off for only three seconds before I bursted out laughing. “I am glad I gave you second chance, cause I don't know if I could ever find better”
“Thank you, I am so glad I had this chance to make it up to you” she said as she beamed with glee. Grabbing my basket I headed back the side room and quickly got dressed and met the others back out front where they were saying goodbye to Lotus and Aloe.
“Hurry up slowpoke!” Pinkie said as she paced around in a circle.
I only rolled my eyes as I kneeled down on one leg “Thank you both so much for the very relaxing and stress free time. I am just glad to know that I have two more friends!” I told them before I received a hug from Lotus first.
“And thank you for being so sweet with my sister after last time. I really appreciate it” she said to me before making room for Aloe who hugged me tightly.
“Thank you so much Adrian for everything. I am kinda sad that I missed my chance but I am more happy to have you as my friend instead of you hating me” she quickly said before I felt her kiss my cheek just as she climbed down “Please come back again!” We all waved goodbye before we headed back to the castle to meet back up with Gilda and Doc.
As we were walking I felt a tug on my pants, looking down I saw that Twilight wanted to talk so she flew up to me “I am glad everything worked out and that she did not try anything this time. But did I see her kiss your cheek as we left?” she asked me.
“Well. Miss. Nosey” I gently tapped her nose at every word “She did but it was just a friendly thing cause she asked if I was single but I told her that a mare back in Ponyville had beaten her first. But I did not say her name cause I didn't want any sort of rumors about her spreading before anything official” I explained to her.
She wiggled her nose as she got over the initial three taps “I see, well I think you handled all that rather well and I am glad to see that you are doing better. But just know that we are all here for you and are willing to be patient with you” she told me with a nice, little smile.
I gently held the other side of her head as I pushed her closer so I could nuzzle her cheek while I said “Thanks Twilight, I appreciate you saying that”
And with some more small talk between us all we eventually found our way inside the castle and heading down to the laboratory. Celestia entered first and cleared her throat to announce herself “Hello again Dr. Feathers. How is everything?” she asked him.
“Ah Celestia! Adrian! So glad you are both here! The two of us just gone writing down all of your medical information and made copies! One copy for you Princess and the originals for you Adrian. Be sure to give that to your local hospital in Ponyville as soon as you can” Doc explained to the two of us.
“This is perfect! With this now done I can also give you your personal identification papers, which will now allow you to own your own property and be able to hold a job. Be sure to hold on to these as well and make copies just in case” Celestia said to me before she summoned said paperwork with her magic and gave them to me in a nice folder, which I used to put my medical papers in as well.
“Cool! Thank you both so much, so Doc. Other than that one thing, is there anything else you can tell me about my magic or something?” I asked him.
“Hmmm, well from what I could examine it seems like your body does not have a set mold like most unicorns have in terms of what type of magic they can learn. Which means that so long as your know your limits you have the potential to learn every type of magic out there! Though I would be careful since some magics don't mix too well inside the body” he explained.
“Dr. Feathers, what about the Alpha Timberwolf magic inside of him? Do you know anything about what exactly it is?” Twilight asked.
“Ah! Now that is rather fascinating. As you might know, the Alpha is passed down either genetically or by defeating the current alpha and in your case you defeated the one Alpha and so it presented itself to you. Now due to it normally being only for timberwolves some...... coding you might say did not pass over. Mainly the history of previous Alpha battles and the hunting instincts which would make the current Alpha timberwolf a top notch predator”
“But since you are something not of this world the coding got a little scrambled and you received the power boost and the presence of the Alpha but only animals would truly sense that. So with the strength of the Alpha lapped over your dragon magic your body has become a very strong fortress and you might find yourself with new physical abilities such as super strength or heightened speeds. Oh and one other thing I should mention”
“You might be wondering if the Alpha will be passed down if you ever conceive a child of your own, which is possible by the way, the child would not possess it since its coding is meant for timberwolf DNA. You got it by sheer luck and due to your DNA being so unique but if your child was made with a mare then half of its genetic coding would repel the Alpha and you would keep it until you died then it would find the next suitable timberwolf host” Doc explained thoroughly.
Whoa, wait a sec. Did he say it was possible to have a child of my own here? Gosh, that opens up so many possibilities WAIT NO! I can't be thinking of children yet! I don't even have a girlfriend! That deserves a mental slap! Ouch. I had to shake my head to clear those thoughts but I found my face becoming a little warm.
“What the heck you blushing for?” Gilda loudly pointed out and now they ALL became very interested in me.
“Yeah?! What you blushing for? Hmmmmmm?” Pinkie said as she jumped up and down to stare into my eyes.
“N-Nothing! Nothing at all! Certainly not about children or anything!” I said as I let out an awkward and nervous chuckle.
“Oh ho! Thinking about making babies already? Who's the lucky mare, stud?” Gilda teased by leaning against me and poking my chest. I had steam coming out my ears at this point, so I let out a rather loud hmph and marched myself out of the lab.
“I will up in my room packing” I quickly said as I pushed open the doors that now housed multiple laughter’s. Gosh, why do they all have to pick on me! Gah, I am twenty three years old for crying out loud! I was the fourth oldest in that room! Right after Doc! Well I will show them! By marching up.....to …...my......room. GAH!
I had to face palm myself so hard for that last thought and unfortunately I did it in the middle of a corridor where several guards and other fancy ponies saw me. So I straightened out my outfit and carried on smartly down the halls leading up to my room. Thought that did not last long cause as I turned the corner I heard the voices of the nobles we had pranked earlier complaining rather loudly and saying some not very nice words towards a certain Princess of the night. I will have to let Luna know about this ASAP for some revenge pranking.
But I did not want to deal with them right now so I dove into the nearest set of doors and listened as the disgruntled group walk past with their potty mouths flapping away. Letting out a sigh of relief I turned around and saw that I was in the Royal Canterlot Library and boy was it huge! I can see what Cadence was talking about needing a simple sorting system, a complicated one would take forever to find something. But my thoughts were interrupted when I felt someone bump into me as well as a large stack of books.
I was buried underneath the pile of books and I groaned out loud “Oh my goodness! My sincerest apologies!” I heard a female voice say as well as a spark of someone casting magic. Soon enough I felt books begin to lift off one by one and wanting to speed up the process I reached up to close the open book on my face but my finger caught a page and got a papercut. Agh! That stings!
“Oh! Are you alright sir?” I heard the voice say again and now I could see that it was a white coated mare with a dark brown mane that was done up in a bun and she wore a large pair of black glasses. She offered me a hoof and though I took it I used my own strength since I would of probably taken her down with my weight and height.
“Yes, yes I'm fine. Sorry about that, I had just walked in and did not see you coming” I apologized to her.
“Oh no, I am the one who should apologize. I was caught up in my own thoughts again. I have been busy these last couple of days due to Celestia taking some time off. I am glad she is though cause she needed to take a break, I don't know how she can manage ruling day after day for thousands of years and yet she rarely takes breaks. Oh, sorry again! I am blabbing again” she chuckled a bit.
“Oh and where are my manners, my name is Raven Desk but you can just call me Raven. You must be Adrian Frost, the human! Oh I have heard so much about you from Celestia and Luna! Especially Luna, oh she talks like you are some sort of super star!” Raven said.
I blushed a little “Well hopefully she says only good things and it is my pleasure to meet you Raven” I replied.
“Oh don't worry, all good things. I promise! So what brings you to the Royal Canterlot Library today?” she asked.
“Ah, I was actually avoiding some rather rude nobles when I ducked behind the closest doors and they just so happened to be the library doors and then I bumped into you!” I chuckled as I finished explaining.
“Understandable, nobles today are so spoiled rotten and half of them don't even deserve their titles. But oh well, not my area of expertise! So anyway, while you are here do you want to check out a new book perhaps?” she asked of me.
“Hmmm, I would like to but I am already reading two different books and if I picked up a third I would forget my place in the other two. That and I am heading back to Ponyville tomorrow so I would not be able to return it any time soon” I said to her.
“I see, well you don't have to worry about returning the book. So long as it is not on a waiting list we generally have a give and take system here and judging from what Celestia has said about you, you seem to be a trustworthy individual and would not steal a book. So I insist you borrow a book!” Raven urged me on.
I smiled at her eagerness “Well if you insist then I suppose I must. Hmmm, could you point me to the fantasy section then?” I asked her.
“Oh! You like fantasy as well! I actually have a few pulled out that I just got done fixing over there on the table” she led me to the table and presented her little collection. Hmmmm, which one? Which one? I reached down and picked up one labeled “Dragon Heart”.
“How about this one?” I said,
“GASP! Excellent choice! That is one of my favorites! It is about an ancient female dragon who takes an interest in a male knight that was suppose to slay her but he doesn't. Its a sad, action romance. You will love it!” Raven explained in a very cute way.
I chuckled at her again “Well then with your permission I shall borrow this and return in when I finish it!” I said.
“It would be my honor!” she exclaimed.
“Well it was fun meeting you Raven. I better get going then and start packing for tomorrow. Oh and one last thing! I am curious about your name, it reminds me of a riddle back on Earth” I said to her.
“Oh? A riddle? I have never heard about my name in a riddle. Do go on!” she replied.
“The riddle is: Why is a raven like a writing desk?” I asked her.
“Huh. Why is a raven like a writing desk? That is very clever and amazing that a riddle in your world is so close to my name! Well off you go then, and please be careful with that book!” Raven said to me.
“I promise” I replied back before waving goodbye with my new book in hand as I made my way up to my room. Ah, gotta remember to put a band-aid on that papercut.
---------- Royal Canterlot Library ----------
“What a delightful stallion, er human! Hehe! I am happy that he likes to read and he even borrowed one from my library! But back to business, have to reshelf these books again and then get ready for the meeting with guards to adjust day and night guard turnover then plan out the committee on border dispute for Diamond Dog digging. Huh, now that is weird. I could of sworn I had another book in this pile. Maybe I dropped it?” I said to myself as I used my magic to balance my stack of books while I double checked the area. But I liked that riddle, Why is a raven like a writing desk.
I dropped all my books as I lost my concentration as my mind warped around this riddle “Why IS a raven like a writing desk?” I asked out loud.
---------- Adrians Room ----------
Meanwhile in Adrians Room, a small and adorable timberwolf was chasing around a butterfly that had found its way into the room but neither creatures ever saw or heard the small POP as a new book landed on the desk right next to the crimson book. A small hum rang out as the two books sat next to each other that finally caught the attention of Artemis but as soon as it began it had also ended leaving a very confused Artemis who picked up the chase for the butterfly again.