Songs of Unity

by Avid Fiction

Meeting the Princess

As I stepped off the train, my eyes grew to the size of plates. Canterlot was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I had been to a couple of big cities before, but they did not hold a candle to this. Everywhere I looked there were ponies, mostly unicorns, going about their daily business. Walking to and from shops, eating at tables set up outside of restaurants, and just living their lives. They all had their noses stuck in the air, and none of them paid me any mind as I walked with Twilight towards the castle. They did, however, give Twilight the respect her station called for: bowing, giving her praise and being general flank kissers. Some of them were polite and treated her like a normal pony, to a point, when she asked them to, while others wouldn’t hear of it. I was just ignored, which was totally fine with me.

I looked into some of the storefront windows we passed with fascination, noticing that the majority of them weren’t too different from what I was used too. I noticed that train station was roughly in the midtown section of the city. There were a lot of cafes and small diners. One I noticed was Donut Joe’s, and I suppressed my chuckle at remembering that the girls (plus Spike) had ended up there after their ‘interesting’ first Gala experience. Some of the shops we passed seemed typical: toy stores, book stores (I actually noticed Twilight eye the store but had to physically restrain herself from going to look), sweet shops, convenience stores, grocery stalls and stores, and bakeries. We had actually been stopped by a couple fillies and their mothers right in front of one of the bakeries. While the fillies were hopping up and down excitedly at seeing a princess and not paying me any mind, I walked over to the bakery and marveled at the treats that were on display. There were a few pies, apple and peach by the looks of them, the apple pie’s sign stating that it used Sweet Apple Acres apples, danishes, cookies, brownies, squares of all kinds, and of course cakes and cupcakes. I marveled at the decorating jobs on the cupcakes and cakes. A lot of them were simply frosted with sprinkles, but the others were done in various styles. There were some birthday styles, a grandiose looking, three tiered wedding cake, a tear-away birthday cake that looked like it was meant for a young colt. As I looked at the confections on the other side of the glass, I was trying very hard not to drool. I think the only people back home who knew that I had a weakness for cake were my parents.

I snapped back to reality when I heard Twilight calling me, “C’mon, Avid!”

I took one last look before heading back to Twilight’s side. I looked at her sheepishly, “Hehe, sorry.”

She just giggled at me, “It’s alright.”

We walked in silence, interrupted by the occasional snob or excited fan, as we entered the more upper class portion of the city, passing more and more of the snobbish ponies. I didn’t notice that I had started to grimace each time some of the more self-entitled ponies bid their farewells to Twilight. She, however, noticed, and after a particularly pompous stallion, who just sneered in my direction, left us alone, she brought it up.

“Avid? Are you okay?” she asked gently.

Startled, I stuttered, “Y-yeah. Wh-why do you ask?”

“It’s just that… you are looking a little upset. You’ve had this kind of angry look on your face for the last little while.”

Crud! I thought I wasn’t showing that! I took a breath and sighed, “I-it’s just that peo- ponies like that last guy really, really, irk me.”

She tilted her head and looked at me like she knew where this was going, but asked anyway, “Ponies like what?”

My face scrunched in disgust, hypocritically enough, looking like one of the nobles, “Ponies that are rich and have power that don’t care about anypony else and abuse their power just to get what they want, not caring who it hurts! Basically, self-entitled flank-holes!!” I said a little louder than was necessary.

I looked at Twilight and saw her looking at me wide-eyed. I looked away and took a deep breath before continuing.

“Sorry and pardon my language. I just always get worked up thinking about ponies like that. I dealt with a few people like that during high school and the hate kinda stuck. I’m usually able to keep my anger in check, but those kind of people always make it hard.”

She just watched me as we walked, my head hung. I was surprised when I heard her chuckle lightly. I looked up at her and saw a mirthful look in her eyes.

“No need to apologize, Avid. I know how you feel.” She looked around before whispering to me, “To be honest, it sometimes takes all my restraint not to teleport some of them into dragon territory.”

I stared at her incredulously before giving a small laugh, “That would be epic! I know it’s not at all nice, but it would be worth it just to see how they react.”

She started laughing along with me as we started to imagine some of those scenarios. The laughing helped me relax as we made our way through the last stretch before the castle came in sight. Looking out from under my hood, I had managed to keep my jaw shut, but my eyes went wide from the magnificence that towered before me and my nervousness and anxiety returned. Before me stood a citadel of what looked white and rose marble with accents of purple and gold. I’d seen it on the show, but seeing it in person was totally different. I was so entranced by the towers and buttresses, that I barely noticed when we reached the main gate. The two Royal Guards, upon seeing Twilight, saluted before opening up the gates and allowing us to pass. The curious looks they gave me did not go unnoticed. We walked along the main path that lead to the grand double doors, and as we did, I admired the landscaping. The lawn was perfectly manicured and there were topiary statues along the path of ponies and animals in various poses. When we reached the entrance, there were two more guards standing there with stern looks. I saw them both cast glances at us, and like the guards at the main gate, they saluted before opening the doors. I looked around once the doors were shut and everything around just screamed, ‘regal’. In front of us was grand staircase that split into two staircases leading both left and right from the landing. On the wall at the first landing was a large portrait of the the two sisters. The painting took my breath away. It showed Celestia and Luna standing back to back, their flowing manes running down their backs a bit before twining together to make a remarkable spiral of colors. They were each looking up to the top corners of the frame where their respective celestial body resided. The background of Celestia’s side of the painting was a spectacular mix of reds, oranges, light purples and pinks while Luna’s half was a stunning mix of dark blues and dark purples with stars and what looked like a swirling galaxy at the tip of Luna’s horn.

I soaked it in before a cream coloured mare with a butterscotch mane approached us. Her cutie mark was that of a scroll with an hourglass on it, so I figured she must have been a receptionist of some kind.

She approached Twilight with a joyful smile on her muzzle, "Princess Sparkle! How wonderful to see you again!"

Twilight shook her head with a smile, "Miss Tock, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Twilight?"

The older mare just smiled at her, “Never going to happen, your Highness.”

Twilight groaned in defeat before turning to me, “Avid, this is Miss Tempus Tock. Princess Celestia’s Assistant. Miss Tock, this is Avid Fiction.”

I removed my hood and nodded to the mare in front of us, “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Tock.”

Tempus nodded back to me courteously, “A pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Fiction." Her eyes then swept over me in an appraising manner, “So you’re the pony who fell out of nowhere?”

I cringed a little from her appraising gaze and looked down towards the floor, “Y-Yes. In a way.”

I think she noticed how uncomfortable I was, because she then said in a soft voice, “I apologize if I’ve made you uneasy.”

I looked up at her, feeling a little shame at my social shortcomings. "It's alright. New peo... er, ponies sometimes make me nervous.” She motioned for us to follow her. We walked up the staircase and took the left path at the top. We proceeded down a small hallway before coming up to another set of grand doors with a single guard on either side. “I'm kinda dreading meeting Princess Celestia. Ponies like me don't get to meet royalty on a daily basis or at all."

She nodded, "That is understandable, but you have nothing to worry about. She is currently in a meeting with a pair of nobles, but you are free to come in when they’ve left and you've prepared yourself." With that, she turned around and left us standing there in the hall and returned to the throne room.

Once the door had closed behind Tempus, I stood there for a moment before I entered panic mode. I started shaking from horn to tail before starting to pace back and forth in front of Twilight as she just sat there watching me with a calm look on her face.

It didn’t take too long before I started rambling, “Oh my Goddess! Okay, Avid, just calm down. But what if she doesn’t like me? What if she thinks that I am some kinda freak and sends to some laboratory to be studied?! What if she thinks I’m dangerous or I offend her somehow and she sends me to the dungeon?! Or worse, Tartarus?! What if I faint right in front of her? What if…”

My speech slowly increased in volume and speed as I rambled on, followed shortly by the speed of my pacing. I saw out of the corner of my eye that Twilight was looking exasperated and the guards looked at me like I had lost my mind, but I barely registered them as my own vision was starting to blur from tears forming..

“What if she banishes me to another land and then imprisons me deep underground in the land she banished me t- OW!!” My tirade was stopped by a sharp pain to my left cheek. I looked at Twilight dumbfounded. Her horn glowed its normal magenta and there was what looked like a paw shaped construct floating next to her. She sighed and banished the construct before looking at me apologetically.

“Sorry, but you needed that. You were getting kinda loud, not to mention ridiculous.” She motioned for me to sit in front of her, so I did, still kinda shocked. “Avid, you have nothing to worry about. Celestia is kind, caring and one of the most understanding ponies I’ve met. She cares about all of us, no matter where we come from. She’ll want to help you try to figure this out and she is most certainly not going to banish you. Here, I’ll show you a trick that’ll help you calm down. Just do what I do, okay?”

I nodded and watched her close her eyes and put a hoof to her chest as she took a deep breath. She then swept her hoof forward as she released the breath slowly. I mimicked the action, shaky at first, but relaxing as I went through the motions. I did it a few times before I felt relaxed enough to open my eyes again. I looked at Twilight with a gentle smile on her face, my eyes still a little damp.

“Feeling better?”

I nodded and used my forehoof to wipe my eyes, “Yeah. T-thanks Twilight.” I looked away, a little warmth coming to my cheeks, “S-sorry for freaking out.”

She shook her head, “It’s alright. I’ve had a few spaz attacks myself over the years.”

I chuckled just as the doors to the throne room opened. A pair of ponies walked out of the throne room, a finely dressed stallion and and equally stunning mare. I assumed that they were the nobles that Celestia was meeting. As they left down the hall, one of the guards by the door turned to us.

“You may now enter, Princess.”

She nodded to the guard before looking back at me softly, “You ready?”

I nodded shakily, “As I’ll ever be.”

She nodded and led me towards the massive doors that led into the throne room. The tall doors opened with a nod from Twilight to the guards on either side. Once open, I walked through and followed the deep red carpet that went from end to the other, the other ending at the throne. With Twilight at my side, I made my way towards the throne, taking in the stained glass murals that depicted victories in their history. I saw both defeats of Nightmare Moon and Discord, Spike's victory in the Crystal Empire, Twilight's ascension, some others that I didn't recognize and finally, Tirek's defeat. It showed Tirek being blasted by a rainbow and showed the various stages his body went through, circled by the Mane 6 in their Harmony forms. As I was examining the last mural, I heard a soft cough come from beside me. I looked to Twilight, who was subtly nodding her head in the direction of the throne. I then remembered where we were and looked straight ahead to see Princess Celestia gazing at me with soft eyes and a chuckle on her lips, trying to escape. My cheeks warmed with a soft blush and once we were in front of her, I gave her a bow in greeting.

"Y-Your Highness."

The chuckle she was holding in was finally let loose, "Rise my little pony. There is no need to be so formal."

I rose and I could feel my face become more flush, "My apologies, Princess. As I explained to Miss Tock out in the hall, I have never met royalty before and I was raised to be courteous and respect a pers... er, ponies standing in life."

Celestia's smile grew warmer and, the only word that would come to mind was, motherly. "You have been raised well, Avid, if I may call you that."

"Thank you Princess, and you may call me what you wish, though I don't mind just 'Avid'."

She nodded, "It's a name that seems to fit you well. Though, it is my understanding that it is not the name you came here with."

My face grew warm as I looked down sheepishly, "Yes Princess. When Twilight and the others asked me for my name when I first arrived, I was prepared to give it to them, but just as I was about to say it, it didn't feel right." I looked back up to Celestia and saw what looked like understanding. Does she know why I felt that? "I'm not quite sure how to explain it, it just felt like it didn't belong. So, I said the first name that came to my mind."

Her warm smile returned, "Well, let me formally welcome you to Equestria, Avid Fiction."

I bowed my head, "Thank you Princess."

She stood from her throne and moved towards Twilight and I, "Now, I have cleared the rest of my day, so that we may discuss the matter at length, in private, without feeling rushed. I have also arranged for the two of you to stay here at the castle tonight." She started moving off to one of the doors beside the throne, while Twilight and I moved to follow her.

"Thank you Princess." Twilight said beside me.

Ahead of us, Celestia chuckled, "You know Twilight, you can call me Celestia."

Twilight blushed, "I know. It just feels weird. So, with all due respect, I don't think it's going to happen anytime soon."

Celestia giggled, "I thought as much. I just thought I'd put it out there."

As we walked along the corridor, I only half listened to their conversation. Something to do with Twilight's adjustment to having more duties as a princess. Meanwhile, I was just gazing around at the castle. There were pieces of art scattered throughout the corridors we walked, paintings of important looking ponies, vases with intricate designs, some reminding me of the vases of Ancient Greece, and marble busts. I looked out the windows we passed and saw the gardens, where everything was perfectly trimmed and pristine. I caught glimpses of statues and topiaries in various shapes. Some were shaped like warriors holding spears and swords, while some looked like lovers or ponies just having fun and in different poses. I was so transfixed on taking everything in, that I barely noticed when my name was called. I looked back at the two mares ahead of me and noticed them both looking at me and giggling. My face grew warm and I attempted to brush it off, most likely failing. I noticed then that they were standing in front of a large door with Celetia's cutie mark emblazoned across it.

"This door leads to my section of the castle. Both of your quarters are in this area as well as the door to the library, which sits in between Luna's wing and mine. Once we've finished talking, depending on the time, you're welcome to look around the library. You are also welcome to explore the castle." With that, her horn began to glow and her magic aura surrounded the door as she opened it.

As we stepped through, the colour scheme changed slightly. On top of the rose and white, there were now golds and yellows. The corridors weren't as decorated but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We proceeded down the corridor for about five minutes, passing several doors just big enough that Celestia could enter, before coming up to another door that a pair of guards stood by, this one not quite as big as the set leading into the wing. Celestia opened the door and I soon saw that it led to her private quarters. We entered with me trailing behind, looking at what the Princess' quarters looked like. It wasn't as lavish as I thought it would have been. The sitting room had a comfortable atmosphere with a small circular table sitting in the middle surrounded by plush cushions. The wall to the left was nothing but windows, looking out over the countryside with Ponyville just visible in the distance. The wall opposite the door was one massive bookshelf, holding several varieties of books, tomes and scrolls, all a broad range of ages from the looks of it.the last wall had a desk covered with various papers and packets. Next to the desk was a door that led to a small hallway.

Celestia nodded towards the table, "Please make yourselves comfortable. I'll fetch us some tea."

Twilight moved to the table and sat on one of the cushions and watched as I walked towards the book wall. I stared in awe at the reading materials, many of which were in languages I didn't even want to guess at.

I heard Twilight chuckle behind me, "Quite the collection, isn't it?"

I nodded, "I have always loved reading. Reading was my escape when reality became too tough." I sighed contentedly, lost in the sight before me. "I can't wait to see the full library." I said with a bit of excitement.

I turned and walked to the table, sitting next to Twilight as we waited. Shortly after I sat, Celestia walked in levitating a tea tray in front of her. Setting down on the table, she served the three of us and made herself comfortable. Not trusting my magic yet, I gingerly picked up the teacup between my hooves and took a sip of the warm liquid. As the taste and smell hit my senses, my eyes widened in surprise. I looked from the light brown liquid to Celestia.

"Your Highness," I started, my eyes still filled with surprise and astonishment, "is this chocolate hazelnut tea?"

She smiled warmly, "Indeed it is." Her smile dropped slightly, "Do you not like it?"

I smiled joyfully at her, "Quite the opposite. It's my all time favourite flavour. I'm actually kind of addicted to hazelnut flavoured things; sweets, drinks and the like." I took another sip and relaxed as the tea warmed my belly and calmed my nerves.

Her smile brightened again, "I'm pleased to hear that. It’s the flavour I like to use to calm myself after dealing with the nobility." She took a long sip and sighed afterward to prove her point.

I chuckled softly and took another sip before setting my cup down. After a brief silence, where I just stared into the tea in my cup, I looked at Celestia, "I'm assuming you'd like to hear my tale now?"

She set her own cup down and looked to me, "I would if you are ready."

Might as well get it over with. "I am." I took a calming breath and and began my story. "As I explained to Twilight and the others, my world is an alternate one to the world she visited. In my world, all of this," I moved my hoof in an arc to demonstrate, "is nothing but a television show. Admittedly, one with a massive fan base which I am part of. Just about every fan of the show wishes that this place actually exists. I don't have any clue as to how I got here. The last thing I remember before waking up in Friendship Palace was sitting in my living room reading. I know there is more but I just can't reach it. I told you in the throne room the situation with my name. I made a deal with the Elements that if they wanted to know my human name, all they had to do was ask and I would tell them. I actually told Twilight on the way here. That deal extends to you and Princess Luna as well."

Celestia patiently waited for me to finish and contemplated her questions before speaking. "That is an interesting tale. So, in your world, our lives are a form of entertainment?"

I grimaced at her question, realizing that I could have explained that with a bit more tact. I looked down at my tea, "Yes."

I looked up pensively and saw that she was tapping her chin with her hoof thoughtfully. "Interesting. When we were in the throne room, I noticed that you recognized the murals. How do you think your world could know such details of ours?"

My mood lifted a little when I saw that she wasn't upset, merely curious. I looked to Twilight and saw the same look of curiosity on her face. "I’ve actually had the same thought since I got here, and the only theory I have is that the creator of the TV show in my world must have some kind of link to this world. Maybe her imagination acts as a medium, allowing her to glimpse into this dimension."

Both mares had looks of contemplation on their faces as they thought about this. Twilight was the first to speak up after several minutes.

“I guess that makes some sense. I don’t think that we will ever know for sure, but considering that anything could be possible when it comes to the multiverse, there could actually be a number of reasons.” I could see gears turning in her head, “We will look into it more once you are settled.” She looked like she was showing a lot of restraint to not excuse herself and immediately start researching the topic.

Celestia merely nodded along, not having anything to add to her former students reasoning. She took another sip of her tea before looking at the cloak I was still wearing.

“Twilight mentioned in her letter that you do not have a cutie mark. Is this true?”

I nodded slowly and lifted the cloak so she could see my blank purple rump.

“Like I explained to Twilight and the girls, humans in my universe don’t always know what they are going to do with their lives. Some will spend their whole lives trying to figure it out, some know pretty early on and there are even some who don’t even try and live their lives from day to day, never truly satisfied with their lives. I fall under the ‘still looking’ category. It could also be because since no human has come here before that this is actually normal. Either way, until we know more, I’d like to keep the cloak for when I’m in public.”

Celestia took a sip of her tea before nodding, “That is understandable, though I am sure that you will discover your talent soon. It will also be okay if you don’t.” I looked at her skeptically. She expanded on her thought after a chuckle, “If you don’t find your talent, it’ll mean that you can do anything your heart desires. You could take as many trades you want or travel and see what the world has to offer.”

I looked down at the remainder of my tea and thought about her words. I swirled it around my cup for a minute or two before drinking it. I looked back up at Celestia, seeing her calm, but warm expression and my mood lightened a little, but not by much.

“I guess you’re right, but I would certainly feel better if I did get a cutie mark. It would finally convince me that I’m not actually useless.”

“Avid!” I winced at Twilight’s yell. “Nopony is useless, and that includes you. Don’t ever think that about yourself. I am sure that we will find your talent. I also know that we will find you a way to get home, no matter how long it takes.”

“Twilight’s right, Avid.” I looked up at the demigoddess, “Everypony is special in their own way.”

I just nodded at the two of them while staring out the window. I’d had this same mindset for years and I’d heard the same thing for just as long. I didn’t notice Twilight’s smirk until she spoke.

“You know… Pinkie’s going to throw you a welcome party the day after we get back. She will probably tell everyone that you don’t have a cutie mark as well, so the cloak probably won't be necessary after that.”

My eyes shot open and I twisted my head back to look at her so fast, I was sure I could have gotten whiplash. GAH!! That’s right! How could I have forgotten like that? Maybe if I catch her before the party I can convince her not to tell anyone. Who am I kidding? Knowing that mare, she probably put it on the invitation… I’m doomed.

The two royalty in front of me just giggled as I ranted in my head. Celestia then stood, catching my attention.

“Sorry, but I’m afraid that we must stop here. It is time for me to lower the sun to end the day.”

Twilight looked out the window, “Goodness, is it really that late? I was hoping to get into the archives before going to bed, but I guess we will have to wait until tomorrow I guess.”

I looked out the window and saw that the sun was nearly touching the horizon at this point. Huh. Time flies when you’re talking to royalty.  I looked to Twilight and agreed with her. I wasn’t really in the mood to look through musty tomes anyway. Celestia then motioned us towards the door, escorting us out.

“Twilight will show you to your room Avid.” She opened the door and we exited. Before we got too far, Celestia called me back. I walked back up to her, curious as to what she wanted. I soon found out, “I was wondering if you could tell me your other name.”

I nodded and then looked at the two guards. I motioned her to lower her head to my height so I could whisper. I whispered the name as softly as I could into her ear, hoping the guards didn’t hear. When she pulled her head back, she had a look of intrigue on her face.

“Fascinating name. Thank you for telling me Avid. Sleep well.”

I gave her a small bow, “Thank you Princess.” I then rejoined Twilight as we made our way to our rooms. There were plenty of rooms, but she ended up showing me to the room next to hers, saying that it was easier. I nodded in agreement and bade her a goodnight. We then went into our rooms. When I saw my room, I was a bit more prepared this time. It was very similar to my room at Twilight’s castle, the only differences being the colour scheme and that it was slightly bigger. The tea having calmed me down, I took off my cloak and hung it in the closet before going to the bed and laying down on it. It was just as soft as my bed a Twilight’s and it caused me to give out a long dreamy sigh. My panic doing its usual thing, I didn’t notice till then that I was still a little sore from my arrival. I decided to try and get some sleep. I put my glasses on the nightstand and rested my head on the pillow fell asleep pretty quickly after closing my eyes.

…

And then promptly woke up four hours later. In the dead of night.

Well, crud! There goes any chance of having a normal sleep cycle.

I had always hated naps. They always left me feeling groggy and sluggish, and it would always keep me awake so much longer than I wanted to be. I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes before going to the washroom and getting a drink of water. Since I didn’t really have anything to keep me occupied, I decided to go for a walk. I just hoped I didn’t get in trouble. I remembered from the walk through the castle that there was a door nearby that led to a small garden. I grabbed my glasses before quietly opened my door and looked to see if any guards were nearby. Not seeing any, I slipped out of my room and closed the door just as quietly as I had opened it. Trying to make my hoofsteps as silent as possible, I made my way to the door and out into the cool night air.The garden in front of me seemed like a small sanctuary. Much smaller than the Royal Gardens that the public saw. I was guessing that this was a private garden for just Celestia and Luna and obviously guests that were allowed to stay in their wings as it looked like there was only two doors that led there. I took in my surroundings and sighed. It was beautiful. Doubly so, bathed in the light of the full moon. It was diamond shaped with a pond in the center with a wooden bridge going across it, trees lining the small wall that looked out over the countryside, flowers lined the walls of the castle itself as well as the cobblestone pathway that wound around the whole garden, the main path leading from the door behind me to the one on the opposite wall that I assumed went to Luna’s section of the castle. I slowly walked the path towards the bridge, enjoying the cool night air with every breath, smelling the flowers as I passed them. When I reached the bridge, I rested my forehooves against the railing facing the open sky and looked out above the trees surrounding the garden.

The night sky in Equestria was breathtaking. The billions of stars above each shone with their own magnificence. Of course I didn’t recognize any constellations, but that didn’t bother me. I had always enjoyed the night. It was always so much more peaceful than the day in my opinion. I looked a little higher and saw the bright full moon. It was looked so much closer than I used to, I half expected an evil face to be on it. I chuckled to myself and continued to marvel at its beauty.

“Hello old friend.” I said to the moon. “Or is it new friend? I’m gonna stick to ‘old friend’ if that’s alright with you?”

Just looking at the serenity of the moon brought me to do something that I hadn’t done in a long time. Something I only did in the privacy of my own home because I was too self conscious to do it in a public setting.

Sing.

The only song that popped to mind was sort of a lullaby, but it was the only song I knew that was related to the night.

I started the way I always started. I closed my eyes and listened to the melody in my mind. As I listened to the intro to the song, it sounded a lot clearer than it usually did. I passed it off as my imagination and continued listening until it was time for the vocals.

I surprised myself when I heard my voice. I wasn’t sure if it was because I was a pony now or if I just hadn’t really noticed while I was human, but my voice sounded better than I had ever heard it. I felt a little confidence flow through me, urging me to just sing my heart out. I was alone anyway, so why not?

I wasn’t fond of singing ‘oo’s’ and ‘ah’s’ so I just let them play in my head.

I was really getting into the song. It wasn’t a long one, but I always found that it lightened my self. And it actually was. As I sang, it felt like a weight was gradually being lifted. I thought I heard something but ignored it. I was having too much fun.

I listened again to the ‘oo’s’ and ‘ah’s’ again in my mind as I swayed along to the music that seemed to vibrate with my very being. I also barely registered that my face had broken out into a massive grin.

I let the music finish in my mind before letting out a sigh. I miss doing that. Opening my eyes, I looked back up to the moon before hearing a soft clapping behind me and to my left. Sure enough, there was somepony sitting behind me at the base of the bridge applauding me. And not just any pony. It was the Princess of the Night herself. I stood there stunned and let out a very unstallion-like ‘meep’ as I felt my entire face get warm.

She stopped clapping and set her armoured hooves back on the ground, “That was very beautiful.”

I didn’t think it possible, but my blush actually intensified upon receiving the compliment. My hind legs were starting to shake as I remained frozen to the spot.

“Pray, what is your name?” she asked softly.

“A-A-Av-Avid F-Fiction, Your Highness.”

She looked at me for a moment before what looked like recognition appeared on her face. “Ah. You are the one my sister spoke of last night. She mentioned that suddenly appeared in the middle of the Friendship Castle throne room. She also said you would be visiting with Twilight today.”

"T-That’s true, Y-Your Highness.”

“I must say that you have a beautiful singing voice, Avid Fiction.”

“T-Thank y-you, Your H-Highness. Y-You c-can just call m-me Avid, i-if you’d like.”

“Thank you, Avid. I will.” She smiled at me before looking to my flank. Out of an instinct I didn’t know was there, I moved my tail to cover my blank flank. She looked back up at me with surprise on her face. “It’s true! You don’t have a cutie mark! Why not?”

I finally turned away and looked down at my reflection in the pond. I released a small sigh, “Not everyone finds out what their special talent is in my world. I’m one of those. I don’t know what my special talent is and I’m probably not going to figure it out.” I gave my reflection a sad smile, “That’s okay though. I’ve resigned myself to that fact and try not to let it affect my everyday life too much.”

Suddenly, there was a metal-shod slap to my shoulder. A fairly hard slap. Uh… Ow! I looked back to see Luna right behind me. I hadn’t even heard her come up the bridge.

“Nonsense! You will find it in no time, I’m sure. What about singing? You are very talented in that regard.”

I shook my head, “I don’t think so. That’s just something I do when I’m truly bored. Or just working around my apartment. I’m sure it’s not that.”

She gave me a peculiar look that I couldn’t place before it switched into a warm smile. “Well, I am still sure you’ll figure it out.” Silence followed as we looked at the night sky. She then turned back to me, “Pray, why are you up at this late hour?”

I smiled, an embarrassed blush formed on my cheeks again as I rubbed the back of my neck, “Heh. Well, I kinda slept a long time last night after I appeared here, so when I tried to sleep tonight, I only got a nap instead.” I looked back at the night sky. “I don’t mind though. I’m more of a night owl anyway. I prefer the night to the daytime. The night is calm and peaceful, depending on where you are, and has a beauty that can’t be found anywhere else. I always feel content and comfortable looking at the night sky.”

When I finished my over-explanation to the simple question, I heard an odd sound. It sounded a lot like a squee that was trying to build but suppressed at the same time. I quickly figured out it was coming from the Lunar Princess next to me, just in time to be embraced in a bone crushing hug. Not only was I being suffocated and crushed by the demigoddess, I was also being deafened on one side by the high pitched squeal being projected into my ear.

“Finally!! Finally somepony truly understands! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

Having no air, all I could manage was a squeak. She looked at me curiously before realizing why I had reacted the way I did. She quickly released me and I took and large, exaggerated intake of breath. Once I could breath normally and had popped some joints back into place, I looked back at the embarrassed princess. I realized that she was quite adorable when embarrassed.

“My apologies, Avid Fiction. In my exuberance, I forgot my own strength.”

I shook my head, “No apologies necessary, Your Highness. I’m glad I could make you happy.”

She shook her head a little, “Please just call me Luna. You have earned it.”

The warmth returned to my cheeks once more for an encore, “I couldn’t possibly. I mean, it’s an honor, but I don’t think…”

She waved a hoof dismissively, “Nonsense. I insist.”

“O-Okay You… Luna.”

“Good. Now that that’s settled… You said you are from a different world? What’s that like?”

I nodded, “ More like another dimension actually. And honestly? It’s a little odd. I have to get used to a lot of new things. Magic being one of them. To be honest, with my love of the night, I’m surprised I didn’t turn into a Thestral when I was dropped here.”

That was when I noticed. One of Luna’s Thestral guards was standing at attention by the door to her suites. I’ll admit that I openly stared at the stallion. The way the moonlight was hitting him made him seem otherworldly. His dark purple and blue armour shone as brilliant as the stars as did his amber eyes. One could get lost in those eyes. I saw his tufted ears flicker in the light breeze the night had. What was exposed of his midnight blue coat shimmered and rippled in the breeze lightly.

Apparently, my blush was in high demand that night, as the familiar warmth crept back to my cheeks slowly the more I looked at the Thestral stallion. And as I looked, only one thing came to mind.

“Wow. He’s beautiful.” I said quietly, praying to any deity that he didn’t hear me.

He must have heard me, because his wings shuffled lightly. So did his hooves. And I could have sworn he was blushing. He couldn’t have possibly have heard that. Could he?

Luna had followed my gaze when I first zoned out and she grew a playful smirk when she heard my whisper. Then as if reading my thoughts, she whispered to me, “Just so you know, young Avid…” She paused for a few seconds to look back at the now very uncomfortable guard, “He heard that.”

My blush actually went all the way to my ears after hearing that and my eyes went wide. I quickly turned my head away and looked back at my reflection in the pond. That was when Luna decided to start laughing rather loudly at my expense. She continued for several minutes and had fallen over clutching her sides from all the laughing. Meanwhile my face was trying to decide if it should just stay permanently red, just to save me the trouble. Eventually her laughter died down enough that she could regain her breath and stand. As her chuckles weaned off, she wiped her eyes dry with a handkerchief she must have summoned from somewhere else. I REALLY need to learn magic!

“Heehee. I am sorry Avid, but the… setup was too perfect.” She chuckled a couple more times, while wiping away a few more tears.

I just continued to stare at the pond the whole time and I wasn’t stopping anytime soon. “I-It’s alright Luna. A-As you s-said, I r-really set myself up for that.” How was I supposed to know Thestrals had such good hearing?!

After she had completely calmed down, that smirk came back. “You know, Avid, I don’t know what his preference is, but if you’d like, I could introduce you.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me as she said that.

I started to shake my head and wave my hooves profusely, “Nononononononononono!! That is quite alright! I think I have embarrassed myself enough for one night.” Did he just sigh in relief? Nah. I must be seeing things. Wouldn’t blame him though.

She put up her hooves, “Alright, alright. I was just jesting with you. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.” She proceeded to give me a light hug.

I hugged her back. “It’s alright Luna. I just get flustered easily.”

She let go of me and looked down at me. As she looked, she got such a look of realization that I could almost quite literally see the light bulb go off.

“I just realized. You must have been the source of that odd dream I saw last night. It had the oddest creature in it sitting on a beach.”

The previous night's dream came back to me, “Yeah, that was me. At least, that is what I used to look like.”

“Hmm. I thought so. Until you arrived, I had only seen them before the odd time in some mare’s dreams.”

If the fanfiction I had read back home were any indication, I had a good idea who that mare was. Out of nowhere, I gave a huge yawn.

“Oh. Excuse me. I think all the embarrassment has worn me out. If it’s okay with you, I think that I am going to go back to bed.”

She smiled, “Of course. Go get some rest. Until we meet again, Avid.”

I nodded to her, “Goodnight then, Luna.” I turned to the guard and shouted, “And I’m really sorry for what I said.” It looked like he mumbled something as he looked away.

I looked to Luna for clarification, “He said it’s no problem and thanks you for the compliment. I think he also muttered something about not being bad yourself.”

And just when I thought it was finally departing for the night, the blush crept back to my cheeks. I looked to the guard and he looked as shocked as I did. He then turned to Luna, “Excuse me, Your Highness, but I did not say that. Could you please stop tormenting the lad?”

She let out an airy whinny, “Fine.” She said back to him before turning back to me, “Stick in the mud.” She said under her breath.

I giggled politely as she pouted  about her fun being taken away. “Goodnight Luna.” I said with a smile as I headed back to my room.

“Goodnight Avid.”

Slipping quietly back into my room, I took off my glasses and laid down on the bed once more. As I laid there drifting into slumber for the second time that night, I thought about Luna. Despite being thoroughly and utterly embarrassed, she was a lot of fun to be around. I could also believe that she now thought of me as a friend. That thought made my chest warm. I knew that after all the talking we did, Twilight and I were now friends, but that was it. Maybe Spike, but maybe not because of all the teasing I did. And now Luna. I certainly didn’t expect to become friends with the Princess of the Night. That Thestral guard was really cute, but I didn’t want to expand on that since I would probably be going home soon. Thinking about leaving Equestria made me feel weird. Did I not want to leave? Could I just stay here? What about my parents? The only thing I was certain of at the moment was that I was tired. Pushing all thoughts from my mind, I relaxed, closed my eyes and fell into slumberland. Better to wait to see what tomorrow brings.