//------------------------------// // Reprieve // Story: The Last Human // by Crooked Djinn //------------------------------// "And that's that. We've come seeking answers, and we may have found them, at last." Talmon sat in his seat atop the highest tier. The room was empty now, save for the four of you. He had listened to your story thus far. Of your awakening, the trip to Ponyville and the airship attack. With the inclusion of the attack here in the Badlands. Talmon seemed surprised by most of your tails. Especially the bit about Spike being able to destroy Angels with his dragon fire alone. "And you've come to us, seeking weapons?" He asked, stroking his long, bearded face. "Yes. We are in great need of them." You, Spike, and Celestia stood side by side at the base of the seats, Talmon looking like a king in his own way. "I see. But tell me of the Vox. Why did it come to you?" He asked, leaning forward. He had been asking various questions about the Voice since you started. "I cannot say. Other than it made itself known to me by choice. I was hoping you could give me the answer, Master Talmon." He was silent for a long while. Considering, speculating. You knew he was withholding answers from you. But for what reason you could not know. "The Voice has been a part of us for as long as our recorded histories. In the old days it served as our council. Guiding us through the Sand and providing for us. We have no knowledge of it's origin. But our wise men think it to have something to do with the ancient city." He paused, slightly unnerved, as if something very cold had just passed through him. "Have you felt the trembles? The quakes that erupt from the earth?" He asked. "Quakes, Master Talmon?" Then he closed his ancient eyes, leaning his head back, listening. "Listen human. If you are human then listen to the earth. The quakes that shudder through the sands..." You looked to Celestia, who only gave a shrug, and you were lost. Talmon was silent, expecting you to do the same, and so you did. Closing your eyes, you try to concentrate on ground you stood on. There was nothing. "Master, I don't underst-" "You must listen human! Listen!" He silenced you with a frown. And so you listened. Spike and Celestia looked on in confusion as you focused as hard as you could on any sound you could here. And then they came. The tremors. They were like a beast that roared in the earth. A great, powerful monster that pulled at it's chains. Kept prisoner in the depths of Hades. "Yes. The tremors... I'd say something awaits you in that city of sleeping stone, should you find it..." He now slowly opened his eyes and peered down at you. "Could it be the Voice? Maybe it's calling me for a reason. Maybe it needs help!" But Talmon only frowned. His eyes were downcast, staring into the fire behind you. "Whatever its reasons for calling you to Agartha, I cannot say. But I do think ill of it. The tremors, they unnerve many of us. Our wise men fear it. Our children run and hide from it. And you seek to find it's source." "It could be the source which defines me. I have to go, I am obliged to go." "Obliged? By whom? Who has contracted you to make your journey here? To the Sand, come to us and ask four -our- weapons? Who bid you find Agartha, other than your own curiosity?" Now you were silent, void of any response. "With all due respect, Master Talmon." Celestia spoke up. "If you found yourself to be the last of your kind, without any memories of your prior life. Wouldn't you too seek answers? That's just what Anon wants, and as his helpers we must aid him in whatever way we can." She stepped out, taking center stage as Talmon eyed her from his seat. "The last... Indeed he be the last, but who's to say it wasn't meant to be? After all, he was the only one found in the stone. Perhaps he was chosen to be the last. To be an echo of his people, and perhaps, to bring us the great knowledge of the humans. Journeying into Agartha is nothing short of death wish." "If that is so, then he cannot teach if he has cannot remember. I beg you, lend us your arms, so that we may fend off our aggressors." Celestia now bowed her head to Talmon, begging him. A sight that not many have seen in her long life. For her to lower her head to another, was a most humble gesture. But alas, Talmon denied you. "Even so, the weapons you speak of.... They are sealed. Forbidden of use. They are ancient relics you see, of the time where Angels still roamed freely." "Forbidden? For why?" You ask. But Talmon stiffens, not wanting to give away too much. "I am sorry. But it is not my decision alone to make. The council and I will discuss it further, but for now... I think you'd better leave." He clapped his hands and the doors behind you immediately opened. "You may stay here in the great house until a decision has been made. Know this, I do hope that we are able to help you. " Ro'Jetty entered the hall and approached you. You turn to Talmon, who now folded his arms in thought. There would be no use arguing further. The council will make their decision, and after that, what's done is done. "Oh, and before you go. I do encourage you to learn about us. We know many things that may help you on your journey." Talmon said. You thanked him, and with a heavy heart, you departed with Celestia and Spike. Had the Voice lied to you? No... It hadn't lied thus far, so why would it start now? You just had to have faith. Faith that the council would be reasonable in their decision. Ro'Jetty lead the three of you to the courtyard where the others waited. But when you returned, you found that some had wandered off. Exploring the market place and mingling with the curious centaur folk. Perhaps you should do the same, you thought to yourself. "What ales you, human?" Ro'Jetty asked as you descended the steps to the great house. His face wasn't necessarily worried, more so just curious. "Well, I had come here in hopes that your people would be of some help. But now things are more complicated than just that." "Yes. It would be rather difficult to reach the Tower of Babel without a proper way of defending ourselves.." Celestia said. Ro'Jetty stopped mid-step on the stairway. Surprised by the nature of your quest. "You mean to approach the tower?" "Yes? It is our reason for being here. Why? Is there a problem?" Ro'Jetty's expression was curious. Like he had heard something that knocked the wits out of him. "I've never heard of anyone journeying to Babel. It is sacred ground to us." "Sacred? In what way?" Celestia asked, moving closer so that he didn't have to be too loud. You all came to a stop in the plaza, sitting by a fountain in the square. The water seemed to be filled with diamonds as it sprang into the air, wanting to touch the roof of the cavern. "It is said that it is the site of the Aliik'ir. The Downfall. I have studied what little we have of human history all my life, and even I don't know much about it. All I know is that we are to never approach it. Our wise men say that it is a cursed place..." Chills ran up Ro'Jetty's spine. It was comical. Centaurs rarely let their emotion show upon there face. To see him so relaxed around you must have meant that he saw you as friends and not strangers. "The Downfall. So you believe that it has something to do with the extinction? Ro'Jetty, does Heaven's Door mean anything to you?" He leaned back, his brow furrowing in thought. "It does not. Is it important?" He asked. "It could be. Though I'm not sure why." Now you all sat in silence. You watched ponies and centaur alike move about the quiet streets of Tzipuur. Captain Howl, was nowhere to be found. "Oh! Anon! Show him the stone!" Spike immediately perked up upon remembering the stone. You also perked up and reached into your pocket to retrieve it. It felt just like it always did, fitting perfectly into your palm. Handing it to Ro'Jetty, he inspects it, carefully studying it. Turning it and peering around it's edges to see the many symbols carved into it's surface. "What is this? Do you know?" "I do not. But when I awoke, I had it on me. Can you read it?" He studied it a moment more, holding it up to his eye. "Hmmm, I'll have to do some research, but I do believe I can translate it. In fact, I can do it now if you'd like." "Really? That'd be very kind of you!" You stood, now excited that you'll finally be able to have some answers. Ro'Jetty smiled and stood, his cloak falling around him. "In the meantime, you three should have a look around. Tzipuur has many secrets just waiting to be discovered." He bowed to you and then turned away. Making his way up the stairs once more and into the great house before disappearing. "He's very friendly." Celestia says. "Yes, he is. I considered asking him to come with us. But I think he'd be against it. Where we're going is sacred land to him. It's a shame." "Indeed it is." Celestia turned to face the road leading into the market and pointed her dainty nose in the air. She inhaled deeply. "Do you smell that?" She immediately started trotting off in the direction of the heavenly smell. It took all her willpower not to burst into a gallop as she hastily made her way toward the stalls. You and Spike ran after her, the scent now trickling into your noses as well. It was heavenly. Celestia was already weaving through the crowd, trying to find it's source like a bloodhound tracking game. Making your way through the crowds, you're jostled from left to right in all directions, trying your hardest to keep up with the princess. Eventually you'd escape the sea of centaurs and find yourself out in the open again. Celestia stood in front of a stall with banners of a dark yellow and blue. A cake-like object sat on the sill and Celestia eyed it obsessively. "Miss, I'll give you whatever you want for this cake!" Celestia leaned in across the counter. The timid centaur behind it shying away. "Princess?" You join her at the stall. "Anon! Help me buy this cake!" The cake stood two layers high and was adorned with the whitest icing that looked like snow. Gold icing traced around it's edges in intricate patterns and had a single blue gem embedded in the top. It's color scheme reminded you of her and you thought that to be funny. "What kind of cake is it?" She asked, to which the timid centauress smiled once again. "It's a Selestia cake." Your's and Spike's jaws dropped and Celestia began to catch tears in her eyes. "A cake, named for me.." She sniffled and turned away, holding back her tears. "I must have it!" The centauress smiled brighter this time and nodded. "Oh of course! It isn't every day you meet royalty. Oh you ponies must live such extraordinary lives! Oh how I've dreamed of journeying up to the surface and exploring and blah blah blah blah-" She continued on, none of you listening as she packed the cake away into a box. She handed it over and you took it in your hands. Celestia thanked her as you walked away. The kind centauress waving. It seemed most of them were friendly after all, despite their aloof manner and stoic expressions. "Who would have thought centaurs named a cake after Celestia?" Spike said as the three of you made your way around the market. "It is surprising. Considering how they hardly leave Tzipuur." "Yeah. But then again, Ro'Jetty said something about seeing on desert winds. They even knew when you broke out of the stone." "That is true. I wonder what method they use to see as far as Equestria. Could it be some form of magic?" Celestia said. "If it is magic, it must be something very faint so the barrier can't negate it." "You think it's the same magic that powers their weap-" Spike stopped mid-sentence as he spotted a stall with various jewels and gems. He immediately broke into a sprint and made a b-line for it. You followed the gem-struck dragon to the stall where a lazy looking centaur hunched over the edge. His eyes were opening and closing as if in a tug-of-war with himself. Spike pulled himself up so that he could look over the counter, him not being tall enough to see over it otherwise. "Uhm, excuse me, but how much are you selling those gems for?" The centaur shook awake, surprised to see the giant emerald eyes staring up at him. He smiled and held his palms outward, welcoming Spike to his stall. "Ooohhh. You're a dragon, aren'tcha?" Spike nodded. "Never seen one of ya' before. Not much comes down here. Say, dragons eat gems, yeah? How about it? Care to try one?" The centaur picked a smaller gem from the edge that hung on a golden chain. It was the deepest green and the light seemed to play delightful games on it's surface. Moving this way and that. Spike's eyes grew wider as he extended his claws to receive the gift. "Wow! For free? I can give you something in return if you'd like!" He said. But the kind centaur merely swatted dismissively. "Treat ya' guests like ya' family. Take it, go on! I've got much more, but they'll cost ya' next time." Regardless of what he said, Spike reached into his bag and pulled out a 'Spike-Apple' and handed it to the centaur. "It's not much, but I'd feel bad if I didn't give you anything back." It surprised you. You heard that dragons were very greedy and didn't give anything up. But here was Spike, attempting to make a fair trade for a gift. "Oh, thank ya'. Maybe we can do real business again some time." He extended his hand to Spike, and he took it, both of them shaking on it. Spike let go of the ledge and his connected with the ground once again. Now you all turned to leave, Spike waving back at the nice merchant. "They are most kind." You said, and the others agreed completely. The three of you continued to explore the ever vast marketplace. Finding odd shops here and there as you venture around. You ran into some of your soldiers, who you saw, had also been given gifts. One such stallion was adorned with so many gems, he appeared to be a king. Time passed quickly, though you did not know it. For there was no sun to judge the time in Tzipuur. Instead, centaurs told time by the dimming of the stones that lined the ceiling of the giant cavern. Now they looked like tiny dim stars. It was awhile before someone found you and informed you there was to be a feast in the great house, to welcome you more properly. "A feast? Why we'd be honored." Celestia said with a bow. So far, they had seemed so kind to you. Was it due to the fact that you were the only outsiders to come here in thousands of years? Or were they just very hospitable? You thought to yourself on the walk back to the great house, the bright street lanterns guiding the way. Spike and the princess made small talk as you thought quietly to yourself. When Celestia noticed this, she proclaimed you thought too much. And that this was to be a night of celebration. You once again made the climb up to the great house and a steward was there to meet you. He had very neat hair and wore very little clothing, for a centaur at least. His only attire being a wesekh of jade. He lead you through the corridors, now lit more brightly. He lead you down a different path, turning left down on of the many halls. You followed him into a large room, which would house you for your entire stay. It was spacious, on the third floor, a balcony looking over the calming streets of Tzipuur. It reminded Celestia a lot of her room in Canterlot and she strangely felt a tinge of home sickness. "There is much to do before the feast. The springs for one thing. They are open all night for your use. If you need me, or any other stewards, just give a clap and we'll be here as quick as can be." The steward bowed and you all thanked him as he left the room, closing the door. Celestia groaned as she collapsed onto her bed, feeling the knots in her back melt away. The product of sleeping in the shifting sands. "It's so wonderful to have a bed again." She said, her voice muffled by the large pillows. You too had missed a bed these past few days, but you were more concerned with bathing. "The steward said we have plenty of time before the party. I'll go find the spring, I still need a bath.." You start by pulling off your breastplate and goggles, throwing them unto the bed and removing your boots. Now only dressed in your pants and shirt. You'd also need to wash your clothes as well. Celestia and Spike saw you off as you journeyed into the halls to ask a steward to guide you. Your feet moved across the cold stone floor as you followed the steward named Ymar. He told you how the great house, the Manarat, was built above geothermal vents which heated the water they pumped into the pool. The spring was five stories down in the basement and the closer you approached, the hotter it became. Ymar lead you inside. The water was clear enough to see the smoothly tiled floor. A mosaic of a star in it's center. Great stones and other small plants were placed around the room, and the ceiling was painted a light shade of blue to simulate the surface sky. You might as well have been on the surface. Ymar left you, taking your clothes with him to wash. None had entered and it was now silent. The only sounds being the ruffling of your close and you finally stepping into the warm water. It felt as if you melted the very moment your foot touched the water and you slid in perfectly. You could feel the sand and dirt erode away from you as you leaned back on your elbows. Closing your eyes, you could picture heaven perfectly. It must have felt similar to this. Your back was beginning to loosen up and you reclined further into the water, throwing your head back. You began to doze a little, not caring much if you fell asleep here and woke up a thousand years from now. Your head lulled side to side, only lightly resisting the call of sleep. The suddenly, you heard the doors open and four hoofsteps approach from behind. You're sure your heart skipped a beat and you sat up immediately, distilling the water. "How lovely! It's like being on the surface." You knew that voice, but you didn't dare turn around to confirm who it was that intruded on you. "Anon, how's the water?" Now you looked and saw Celestia trotting up to you. Naked and with her mane down so that it blew gentle in the heavy mist in the spring. "It's fine." "Oh?" She cocked her head to the side. "Just fine?" You turned away as she drew closer. You could feel your entire body rise ten degrees as she stood on the edge. Her hoof lightly tapped the surface of the half-bubbling water and she slowly slid in. Celestia let out a long coo of delight as she completely submerged herself in the spring next to you. Your hands find their way to your lap and you cross your legs. Her mane spilled out over top the water, like someone had spilled a rainbow into the sea. It swirled and shifted with the water, giving it an organic look to it. "Amazing~!" She said. Followed by a long sigh. You tensed instantly as she relaxed beside you. So much for your own relaxation. "Isn't this wonderful Anon? An entire spring to ourselves." "Aye..." "But it's a shame we wont be staying for long. We should come back here once we're done in Agartha." "Aye..." "Speaking of which, do you think Master Talmon and the others will lend us their weapons?" "Aye..." You sat awkwardly now, Celestia naive to your discomfort. For you to be nude before a princess... It was too much! "You know Anon, there's no need to be embarrassed." She said, smiling at you wryly and your body rose ten degrees higher! "I'm not embarrassed. It's just awkward to share the same bath is all.." She giggled as you turn away. For her to just instantly point out the reason for your awkwardness was even more embarrassing than being naked with her. "Honestly, you seem to put too much of an emphasis on clothing. It's alright to be nude, no need to be modest around me. Most ponies don't wear clothes that often, you know." You sigh and relax just a tad bit. She had a point. In her culture, nudity wasn't as much of an issue as it was with you. But it didn't change the fact you were still put off by it. "Anyway, where has Spike gone? Did he not come with you?" Celestia leaned back on the edge of the pool, her chest fluff laid bare to you. "No. He wanted to explore. A steward is showing him around. He's quite adventurous, just like Twilight when she was a filly." She thought back to the old days where Twilight was just starting out as her pupil. It brought a smile to her face. "How about you Anon? Are you adventurous?" You nearly slipped on your backside and plunged your head into the pool. "In what way exactly..?" "Oh you know.." Her wing wrapped around you and pulled you closer to her. You were now side by side and that made nervous. "Have you ever been with a mare, Anon?" "E-excuse me..?" "Well I just thought, you being a rock for millions of years, you'd like to.." She inched closer to your face. Your heart was going a million miles per second and you could hardly breath. She batted her eyelashes and bit her lower lip. If you were any other man, you'd be enthralled by her this vary instant. "Experiment." You immediately stand, not caring if you were fully exposed to her. You had to get the hell out of here, fast. Celestia let out a mighty guffaw and fell into the waters. Her legs kicking the air and throwing water out and about. You hastily climbed out, wanting nothing to do with her. "Wait! C-come back! I was joking!!" She called out to you, laughing all the while. She watched you go and her laughter died a little. She called to you. "Anon, wait.." You turned back at her. Your face burning a bright red. She looked at you for a moment in silence and you anticipated an apology. "Nice butt." She again fell back into the pool laughing. Snatching a towel and throwing it around your waste you left in a hurry. Celestia calling after, apologizing in between her laughing fits. All you wanted was to relax, but it seems that'll have to come at a later date. And out of nowhere too. You groaned loudly as you made your way back to your room, not caring if you were half naked or not. In the latter hours of Tzipuur night, the laughter of a certain could be heard from beneath the Manarat. The feast was in full swing. Everyone was invited to the grand dining hall on the top floor of the Manarat. The music was loud, it being the fourth form of entertainment you had so far. You sat next to Celestia and Spike, but more closer to Spike. Celestia had teased you all the way here and you wanted nothing more than a distraction. And so you downed the wine that was constantly poured into your chalice. Many a centaur was present for the feast. Their bland exteriors melted away as the party went on into the night. Many times there was a toast, to something or another. And loud cheering and soaking followed. Spike stuffed his face full of gems that were bought especially for him and he reveled in it. Celestia slowly ate away at the salad in front of her. Master Talmon had yet to attend, the only familiar centaur you knew were some of the stewards. "And it is said that the man, escaping his doom. Sprang up from the depths to seal to seal that tomb!" A minstrel sang away while others joined in. You payed it no mind as you continued to pilfer your chalice. "Oh cheer up Anon. It's a party! Have a little fun!" Celestia nudged you with her wing and you drunkenly batted it away. "I'll have fun when you learn some manners." She feigned hurt feelings as you returned to your drink. "And all throughout time, his ballad was told, but never did we know, where it is that he rode!" The minstrel continued, others singing along and Celestia clapping along. Across the room, Master Talmon and made eye-contact with you. He smiled and raised he glass to you, you awkwardly raise it in return, a silent toast between the two of you. Talmon was surrounded by many ancient looking centaurs. All of them wearing the same dark grey robes and wearing their manes in a similar style. "Anon, I said I was sorry." Celestia nudged you again, causing you to spill your wine over your hand. You simmered in quiet anger over this as you wipes the sticky wine away from your hand. "I forgive you..." She clapped her hooves together in celebration. Happy to be pardoned for her crimes in the baths. "But you owe me. I want a piece of that cake you got from the market." She instantly deflated and a humongous frown drooped down her face. "Fine.." You nudge her with your elbow, gaining a giggle from her as she tried to swat you away with her wing. Maybe it was the wine that loosened you both up, but you were very friendly with each other tonight. Perhaps you were too uptight. Perhaps you should relax a bit more often and learn to have some fun. Not everything revolves around your journey, does it? Everyone cheered with the ending of the song and many made their way to the center floor. You watched as they began to dance, a high-paced shuffle of hooves and arms. Clapping along with the beat of the great drum that marked the tempo, you saw how everyone moved in sync with one another. It was amazing really. "Master Anon." You turned to see Ro'Jetty, his red cloak draping over his shoulders. "Good evening Ro'Jetty. Have a drink with me." "I will, but not at the moment. I've come to give you back the stone." He outstretched his hand, revealing the stone circle that was dwarfed in his palm. "Oh yes, were you able to make anything of it?" He frowned just a tad bit but then nodded. "Actually, I was. But it will be up to you to make sense of it." He pointed along it's sides at the runes etched into it. "Left, Left, right, right, in. That's what it says. Does it mean anything to you?" "Of course not... But maybe it will someday. Enough talk, friend. Tonight we drink the night away!" You immediately pour him a glass of wine and hand it to him. It was a bit troubling how easy it was for you to down the vintage. Considering it was particularly strong. Were you an alcoholic? Ro'Jetty had made off with some peers not long after he arrived. Spike was off mingling with some of the younger stewards who worked in the Manarat. You were now devilishly drunk. You swayed side to side, often falling against Celestia. It was impossible to tale how many songs had passed by or how long they were. Suddenly, a particularly faster song picked up and many centaur danced in such a rave, you thought it'd drive you mad. Ro'Jetty now returned, extending his hand to the princess. "Would you like to dance? It's an easy one, I'll show you." "Oh, no thank you." She said. "I'm no good at dancing." "Nonsense! Come! I'll show you." Suddenly, Ro'Jetty took her by the hoof and pulled her across the table and onto the floor. You watched as they rushed to the center to join the others. They were erratic in their movements and impossible to keep up with. But you could at least see Celestia. Her mane and tail spun about the dance floor. Moving this way and that way, Over and under. She stumbled often over Ro'Jetty's hooves and sloppily tried to regain her balance. The song had gotten faster and you tried your best to clap to the tempo. Everyone cheered and whooped as the dancing became more energetic and spontaneous. Celestia could hardly keep up. It was amusing seeing her have such a hard time out there that you couldn't keep yourself from laughing. And then, as abruptly as the song had began, it stopped. Celestia was now dizzy, but she was laughing. Harder then she had laughed in such a long, long time. Her mane was a mess, and her legs wobbled. She panted and sweated. But the biggest, most honest smile was now plastered on her face. She was actually having fun. How long was it since the last time she had so much fun? How often was it that she allowed her self to have fun? She caught you staring, a blush on your face. It was either her, or the wine that was responsible for the blood rushing to your face. Regardless, she smiled at you. A smile containing a ray of sunshine that shinned into your heart. ou'd curse the wine, but part of you knew it wasn't at fault. But in that moment, you thought her beautiful. A strange thought. A taboo even! Ro'Jetty now lead her back over to you. She was staggering and laughing uncontrollably now. "The princess has skill, yes? She fumbled a bit, but with practice, she'll be dancing like a centaur in no time!" Ro'Jetty's booming voice said over the noisy room. "Indeed! It was amazing to say the least." "Amazing is an understatement. Move over, I need to sit." Celestia said as she climbed over the table to reach her seat. She then downed a large amount of wine from a glass far larger than your own. She drank it like water, like she had been out in the sun all day without it. You and Ro'Jetty laugh as she sighs. "So, what do you think of Tzipuur?" Ro'Jetty asked. "My friend, I'd have to say it is quite awe inducing. Your people are so unique, nothing quite like anything I've ever seen." "Ah but you have seen it. You must have. It's very similar to Agartha. You can see it if you look at Babel. It shares many similarities with our own buildings and most things we've come to know, in fact, come from the tower." "Is that so? Well then, perhaps we are related." You and Ro'Jetty continued to chat well into the night. When finally, Master Talmon stood and the music died and all talk ceased. All eyes were on him as the other graybeards stood with him. He meant to speak. "Friends. It has been a wondrous night. But, I'm afraid that in my old age, I must retire. But before I do, one final toast." He reached down to grab the tall glass on the table, filled with wine. Everyone else, including you, did the same. "To our friends from the surface. May they find what they seek. And return with stories!" A cheer broke out as they all clapped and downed their drinks. The music picked up once again as Talmon and his peers filtered out of the room. "I must be going as well." Ro'Jetty stood. "Do you have to? Stay, have some more wine!" You attempted to pour him another glass, but he opened his palm to you, a sign of polite declination. "You can certainly feast, and I would like to stay. But I really do must be going." He gave a apologetic smile. "We can talk again at a later date." "Sure then. Goodnight friend." He bowed and turned away. Most had begun to leave, but plenty stayed, still celebrating and dancing. Spike had fell asleep awhile ago and you worried that he may have drank a lot of wine. Was that allowed? He was a dragon, but he was still a child wasn't he? And here you were supposed to be looking after him. The party carried on into what may have been early morning. You drank an incredible amount of wine, ate as much food as you possibly could and you were only inches away from passing out. Celestia had pulled you out onto the dance floor and attempted to teach you how to dance. Both of you being well over drunk at this point. You stumbled over each other constantly and Celestia insisted you were doing it wrong. Whatever it was. The feast ended with you two staggering drunkenly to your chambers. Spike in tow, fast asleep. The both of you sang like the best of friends, roaming through the halls. Trying desperately to remember where it was you meant to be going. Soon enough, you found your room and struggled with the key. The moment you hit the bed you would have instantly fallen asleep. You could have, if Celestia didn't fall on top of you, nearly smothering you as you struggled to roll her off of you. Now she lay parallel to you, facing away on top of the large bed you would share tonight. "Tomorrow will be terrible..." Celestia said, more so talking into the pillow than talking to you. "I drank so much.. I'm afraid I may never wake up if I fall asleep now." Both of you laid there for a long while. The only sound being Spike's soft breathing. "Anon, you had fun, right?" "I did. A little too much fun." She laughed and moved a bit closer to you and your backs touched. She was warm, and smelled like wine and fruit. "Hey Princess-" "Celestia is just fine Anon." She said, looking over her shoulder. You let that sink in. Not having to call her Princess and being able to be more personal with her. Now you see that she actually considers you a friend. "...Celestia, you looked great dancing. Though you could use some work." "Are you saying I have no rhythm?" "Well, you have enough rhythm for a horse with no legs." You laughed out loud and her massive wing pushed you off of the bed and onto the hard floor. "So rude." Attempting to climb back up, you rise to your feet and climb back onto the bed. You attempt to roll her off, but when she doesn't budge, you collapse on top of her. "You're laying on my wing..." "Oh." She sighed and unfurled her giant alabaster wing and wrapped it around you. It reminded you of the previous night you spent in the desert with her. Sleeping by her side underneath her massive wing. "Sleep well tonight Anon. You'll pay for it in the morning." You agreed. The hangover will be killer for sure, but that didn't matter now. Now all that mattered was you lazily slouching over Celestia's side, steadily falling asleep. Tomorrow the council will debate the decision to aid you with weapons. And tomorrow you'll likely leave the wondrous town of Tzipuur. You were fast asleep, dreaming, something you hadn't been able to do in a very long, long time. There was a rumble. A terrible roar of the earth. It shook you awake, as well as Celestia and Spike. A panic in the streets had raised everyone. There was trouble. "What is it?" Celestia said, now making for the balcony. There were fires and many centaur in the streets. "What's happening?" Spike said, slightly panicking. Before you could answer there was a knock at the door. You hurry over to answer and see that it is Ro'Jetty. A long, distraught frown on his face. "Come! Gather your things! We are being attacked!"