//------------------------------// // I Arrive in the Great Hall // Story: The Life and Times of Benjamin Inventor (Part 1) // by Bsherrin //------------------------------// I Arrive in the Great Hall I woke up to find myself in the Great Hall in the Canterlot Palace. I recognized the stained glass windows but was still disoriented, so it took me a few minutes to regain my wits. I had memories of living a long life and dying as a human on Earth although just like the last time I went through this, the memories were a bit fuzzy. At least this time the Authorities said I’d have a Guide of some sort since for whatever reason they were in a hurry. And I knew the mythos from the cartoon which the Authorities said was a poor reflection of the True World, just like Earth. I had a Purpose, too, although as usual the Authorities didn’t tell me what that was. Annoying. Well, nothing for it but to do my best. I looked myself over. Equine this time, I thought, as I looked at my reflection in a window, certainly different than human. The stallion body I was in was very well muscled and felt young. I had a unicorn horn as well, a black hide with a white mane and hoof feathers. I started wandering back and forth, moving from window to window like a tourist, stretching my legs. The Hall was huge and while some windows had scenes, there were a number with nothing in them at all, just plain glass. I turned when I heard a door open and there stood two pegasus guards. “Who are you and how did you get in here?” the first asked. “I…don’t remember. I think my name is…Benjamin,” I replied “Come with us, please,” said the second, “and don’t give us any trouble.” The guards led me to a small room which was comfortable enough but was clearly a holding cell. A few minutes later a sergeant (you can recognize them in any World) came in and asked me the same questions as the guards. He got the same answers, so he left. I took a quick nap and the opening door woke me up. It was some sort of higher ranking Earth pony, rather stiff, with a secretary who was carrying a quill pen and parchment. The stiff pony started right in. “You told the sergeant you didn’t remember how you got here?” “Yes, sir.” “Hmm, you’re polite enough, anyway. Your cutie mark is one I don’t know and believe me, I know all of them.” I looked and noticed a wizard’s hat over a yin-yang symbol on both flanks. I said nothing, though, since I had no idea what it meant, either. The stiff pony stared at me expecting an answer and I just stared serenely back. “Well, I have orders from Princess Celestia herself to bring her any strange ponies which appear out of nowhere.” “Oh?” “Yes, we’ve had some…trouble…with them before. So, follow me.” I followed the stiff pony to yet another room, this one far more opulent. He and the secretary left me without another word, so I did some breathing exercises, a few T’ai Chi warm-ups and then napped on a handy sofa. I assumed someone was watching me but still felt no apprehension of any kind. Once again I woke up just as the door opened and Princess Celestia flanked by the same two pegasus guards walked in. I’d dealt with the aristocracy before, so I bowed as best as I could with one forehoof forward and the other back. Princess Celestia sent the guards back out and stood watching me. “Rise,” she said. I stood. She was beautiful, I thought, and very compelling. “I am Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria. You’re in my palace in Canterlot, our capital city. My counselor tells me you call yourself ‘Benjamin’.” “Yes, your…ah, Highness?” “”Your Highness’ will do. Do you remember anything at all about how you came here?” I told her I remembered a long life well lived and dying at a ripe old age. I said I had no idea why I woke up in the Great Hall or why I was in her World which was true enough. I did not say I remembered her from a cartoon. “Well, then,” said the Princess, “you seem harmless enough. I’d like for you to remain in the palace for a time, though, as my guest.” “For…observation...I take it, your Highness?” The Princess actually grinned a little. “I see we understand one another,” she said. I told her I’d be delighted to stay (not that I had any choice) and bowed as she left. One of the guards led me to some comfortable quarters which included a bed, a very nice bathroom and even a balcony. The guard told me I’d take my meals with the guards or the palace staff and I thanked him for his professionalism. He unbent just a little and wished me a good night. My days soon settled into a routine. I realized very quickly I could take on another pony’s cutie mark for just a few seconds and learn what they knew. The first time it happened by accident as I idly wondered if someone could teach me to read the pony language. As I looked at one of my guard’s cutie marks, his took the place of mine for a couple of seconds in a swirl of color and all of a sudden I had a flood of knowledge about his skills. That included reading along with basic training in the crossbow. Useful, I thought; the Authorities came through on this one. At first I used the guards’ cutie marks since they flanked me most places I went. It was a tremendous help in learning about pony culture, the usual dos and don’ts of any society and some of the more subtle interactions; I kept this ability to myself so the guards were most impressed with how soon I adapted to their worldview. I also learned the guards’ training included a rather limited form of Krav Maga. I asked one of the sergeants if I could work out with the new recruits, so one day I found myself in the training arena. I’d kept up my morning T’ai Chi exercises and realized I knew several other fighting styles as well thanks to the Authorities again. I raced to the top of the class in no time, and then moved on to some of the more advanced classes. I found myself tossing around Earth pony and pegasi guards and eventually ended up working with the instructors. This led to a bonding and excellent rapport with the guard stallions. Word got back to the Princess and she gave me some more privileges including dispensing with my flanking guards. While I had no official position, the martial arts instructors asked the Treasury to pay me a salary for working out with them which I did individually as well as in a group. Some were very tough indeed but we got along well since I’d spent some time in the military myself in my past life. Although I didn’t remember the details all that well, I understood the mindset. I was in the dining hall with some of the instructors talking about mares when someone at the door called “Atten-shun!” I stood with the others and in walked Shining Armor, the Captain of the Royal Guard and a fine looking unicorn. He was also the only unicorn I’d seen in the Guard. “At ease,” he said. Most took their seats and resumed eating. Shining Armor walked over to our table and introduced himself to me. We shook hooves and he asked me to walk with him. We left the dining hall and headed into one of the many royal gardens. We walked in a comfortable silence; I seemed to set ponies at ease. I polled Shining Armor’s cutie mark when he wasn’t watching and learned about tactics, strategy and dull information such as budget cuts and uniform costs. I also picked up some battle magic including some lethal Level 1 and Above Top Secret techniques. A single unicorn could devastate a regiment with those. Finally, Shining Armor spoke. “You’ve made quite the impression here. The stallions speak very highly of you and say they’ve never seen such expertise.” “They are good stallions, Colonel. My compliments to your recruiters.” He laughed a little. “They’re a handful, too, particularly when they’re off duty.” “Well,” I said, “you certainly don’t want a group of shrinking violets as palace guards and reservists.” We both laughed a little and then Shining Armor came to the point of his visit. “Princess Celestia would very much appreciate it if you could spend some time with me, her and some of her advisors and tell us what you remember about your previous existence. While your case is most unusual, I think you know you’re not the first to ‘visit’ us here. You’ve certainly adapted more quickly than we thought possible.” “I’d be honored,” I said. “Just let me know where and when.” “Excellent!” said Shining Armor. “I’ll set up the meetings as soon as possible.” I could tell Shining Armor enjoyed dealing with someone who got straight to the point. Two days later I found myself in a conference room with the stiff pony I first met. He was the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the only name I ever heard anypony call him was “Chancellor”. Also there was Shining Armor, the Princess herself, this shadowy pegasus everypony called “Agent 6” who I eventually learned was part of a Canterlot Secret Service and a couple of astronomers, the closest ponykind had to engineers. I polled all their cutie marks except Princess Celestia’s and learned I knew a great deal more about the Universe than they did. I started with Newtonian physics, and then moved onto electricity and internal combustion which got their attention since they’d never heard of such a thing. I drew a diagram of a difference engine, the closest I could come to computer technology they would understand and of course went into weapons systems. The Chancellor scheduled the meetings off and on for weeks and they covered all sorts of topics. We usually met in the morning and then had lunch together. I found myself more and more drawn to Princess Celestia who was extraordinarily charming with us; even Agent 6 relaxed around her. During lunch I would occasionally go into various comedy routines I remembered (Rodney Dangerfield with his risqué humor was a favorite) and would have everyone including the Princess laughing until they cried; even the spy unbent enough to enjoy himself. I found much to admire in Shining Armor and we started to spend more off duty time together. I’d had very few male friends in my prior life and treasured his camaraderie. I even met his delightful little sister, Twilight Sparkle, who was in some sort of special university at the capital and a favorite of the Princess. I found her engaging if a trifle pompous and academic but decided age and experience would eliminate that soon enough. My social life picked up as well. I spent some time with a few mares on the palace staff and went on some very fun dates, but it was never anything serious. The days passed quickly and eventually I realized I’d fallen in love with Princess Celestia; the more I saw of her, the more in love I became. I also knew I couldn’t just knock on her bedroom door and ask her on a date. I’d dealt with social class and royalty before I came to this World and I had no rank, no social standing and no contacts. I was naturally on my best behavior when I was with the Princess but we were almost never alone. She of course was bound by centuries of tradition and couldn’t risk any scandal by spending time with me, either, whether she liked me or not. Well, it couldn’t be helped, I thought. I decided I’d just wait and see what happened and since I was no lovelorn romantic, I went about my business with nopony the wiser. Thanks to my cutie mark talent, learning to use magic was no trouble at all. Celestia noticed this and soon asked me to join her for a private lunch. After the usual small talk, she mentioned my proficiency and said even some of the best magic users weren’t as capable. I showed her how I could poll a cutie mark and take on another pony’s for just a few seconds. I used hers and gained a flood of knowledge including how to raise the Sun and the Moon (not that I could do it right away, of course, but I understood it). Celestia was stunned and looked at me very closely for a few minutes. I sat calmly under her scrutiny and ate my cucumber sandwiches. “So,” she finally said. “You essentially can gain all knowledge in Equestria and become extremely powerful.” “Yes, your Highness.” “And what would you do with you if you were in my position?” asked the Princess. I thought a moment. “I’d either kill me outright which is the most practical solution or find some way to control me so I couldn’t run amok.” I took a bite of some excellent mushroom and chewed on it. “Mmm, marvelous!” Princess Celestia looked surprised I understood Realpolitik so well. I knew this was the only chance I’d have, so I braced myself and said, “Of course, your Highness, my love and affection for you would preclude any such behavior. And, magic or no, Shining Armor along with several of the other guards most likely could take me out if necessary.” “Wait a moment…’love and affection’, you said?” “Yes, your Highness.” “You…love me.” “Yes, your Highness. I have from the moment I first saw you.” Stunned silence followed. I sat with all four hooves curled under me and waited. “You…mean you love me as your monarch?” “Well, certainly, your Highness. But I love you; you, yourself, Celestia. It’s very easy, you know.” The Princess suddenly stood. I jumped to my hooves and bowed as she turned and, without another word, left the room. I stayed for a moment, then left and headed back to my own room. I wondered if I’d sealed my fate but since I had no fear of death (I’d already died to get here, after all), I didn’t worry about it. I was practicing sword work with Shining Armor when one of the guards on duty showed up and asked me to follow him. He led me into the anteroom next to the throne room where Herself was going through the usual paperwork. She sent the guard and the secretaries out and I was alone with her again. I bowed, and then waited for Herself to speak. For the first time since I’d arrived, Princess Celestia seemed a little uncomfortable but with her centuries of practice managed to hide it, at least from someone who didn’t know her as well as I did. “Do you know why I sent for you, Benjamin?” “No, your Highness, but I assumed you’ve decided what to do about me.” “Yes…yes, I have. I want to spend some more time with you myself, and then I’ll make a final decision.” Hah, that was more like it, I thought. Instead of saying that, I answered, “Why, I’d be delighted to spend time with you, your Highness. We can do or talk about whatever you like.” “You’re not worried I’ll banish you to the ends of Equestria or the Everfree forest,” said the Princess, looking rather arch and mischievous. “If you’d wanted me gone, I’d already be gone, your Highness,” I said, laughing. “Well, then; I’ll send you a schedule. You may go.” I bowed again. “Thank you, your Highness.” As I turned to leave, Princess Celestia said, “Oh, and Benjamin?” “Your Highness?” “When it’s just us, you can call me ‘Celestia’ or ‘Tia’.” She looked very sad for a moment. “Luna used to call me ‘Tia’. And she was the only pony who ever said she loved me. Nopony else ever has…except you, of course.” I felt my heart turn over in my chest. How pitiful, I thought. What a terribly lonely life she must have led. Out loud I said, “The honor is mine…Tia,” as I bowed my way out. “And it’s ‘Ben’ to my friends and favorite monarch.” I headed back to find Shining Armor so we could finish our bout and I could ask who Luna was since I’d never heard the name before. Shining Armor told me about Celestia’s younger sister Luna, Nightmare Moon, the Banishment and Celestia’s many years of ruling alone. Awful, just awful. The next day a schedule of my time with the Princess did indeed arrive. The schedule gave me about two hours a day for the next couple of weeks with the Princess including some overlap with Twilight’s lessons. The activities included early breakfasts, lunches, walks in the royal gardens, time at the theater (not a favorite of mine, that one) and even some exercise which included hoof-to-hoof workouts. It turned out the Princess was extremely proficient and I had to remain particularly alert or she’d work her way under my guard. That only happened once and I had to admit I afterwards enjoyed tossing her onto the mat and pinning her down. On one of those occasions we were nose-to-nose and stared into one another’s eyes. The whole world seemed to stop and if she’d have been any other mare I’d have kissed her right then. I didn’t, of course, but as I helped her up I could sense her amusement and something else. Longing? I wasn’t quite sure. Spring moved into Summer and I became a familiar sight around the Princess. There was some jealousy amongst the regular courtiers but I took care of that with some soothing words and, on one occasion, a punch to the jaw for this smarmy little jerk. I still trained the guards and spent a good bit of time in the Canterlot archives. I also acquired various languages if somepony knew another when I polled their cutie mark, so I became quite erudite. Even Twilight Sparkle was impressed with what I knew about magic and pony history. Keeping her from getting jealous was a job in itself since she was completely devoted to the Princess. A Vacation and a Decision One Summer’s day I was walking with the Princess through one of the parks. Even a walk was quite the event with all the ponies bowing or moving out of the way. I could tell Celestia was a little tired since she’d just finished some treaty negotiations with the griffons. As I looked around, I casually suggested she take some time off. The Princess looked startled and then asked me how I thought she could do that. “You’re the Princess, after all. Just clear your schedule and leave. Go take the waters, swim in the ocean or disappear into the mountains. You can work the heavenly bodies wherever you are, yes?” “Hmmmm,” hummed the Princess. “I haven’t had a break in years; decades, even.” “There you are, then. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?” “There was this beautiful resort by the sea at Stableside,” said the Princess wistfully. “You could walk on the beach, go to concerts, spend a day in the spa, play in the ocean.” She sighed. “It was wonderful.” “Your Highness, I say take the time and go there right away. It’s what…three weeks until the Summer Sun Celebration and your ceremony in Ponyville? Why not take two of them off?” Princess Celestia looked at me a moment, then I saw her draw herself up and become most regal. “And so I shall!” she said. That started a flurry of preparation. I was startled when Princess Celestia sent down word that I was the only one who would be going with her. That of course caused a big stink since most of the palace expected her to take her usual entourage. Soon enough I had to refer all questions to the Chancellor who somewhat to my surprise was all in favor of the Princess not only going on vacation but taking just me with her. He knew I was capable of acting as bodyguard and also knew I was one of the few ponies in the entire kingdom who didn’t have any ambition or who desired royal favor. I also think he knew I was in love with the Princess although he never said a word about it. Shining Armor was more than a little annoyed about the Princess choosing me instead of him. I stood my ground with him on this one and told him that I’d take good care of her. He still wasn’t happy and we had several intense rounds of sparring to settle it. We beat the living daylights out of each other but ended up laughing in the infirmary when we were getting our cuts and bruises tended. We talked it all over by ourselves as we walked back to the palace through the gardens. “You’d better look after her, Ben, I swear by the Lord of Hel’s black and hairy tail you’d better.” “Carl (Shining Armor’s Private Name which only family and his closest friends used), you know it has to be me. I’m the only disinterested third party here. Besides, you just want an excuse to laze on the beach. And I thought you were busy with that pretty Princess Tempo, anyway.” “It’s Cadence which you know perfectly well. And, yes, we’ve known one another for years, ever since she used to foal sit for Twilight, but just started dating seriously a few weeks ago.” “She is cute, I tell you what. And a royal. Vavoom.” Shining Armor couldn’t quite reach me but he aimed a hoof at my head, laughing all the while. The night before we were to leave for the beach, one of the guards (a pegasus, a nice young stallion who was a first rate flyer) stopped by my quarters just as I was getting ready for bed. He said Princess Celestia had asked to see me, so I followed him to the royal quarters. I knew where Princess Celestia’s bedroom was, of course, but had never had any need to go into the room itself. The guard knocked and opened the door for me. I thanked him and went in. The room was dimly lit and I had to wait a moment for my eyes to adjust. I didn’t see Princess Celestia anywhere. “Your Highness?” I called out. “Tia? You sent for me?” From the back of the room I heard a beautiful, dulcet voice call out, “Back here.” I walked back and found a gorgeous cream colored pegasus mare with a white blonde mane resting on Celestia’s floor cushion. I had an idea who she was, but I thought I’d let Celestia enjoy her moment. “But who is this?” I asked. The pegasus gave a girlish giggle. “It’s me, Ben! This is my alter ego Sunny Skies. I’ve subsumed my magic so I can travel without anyone knowing me.” “Well, how about that! What an amazing transformation, your High…uh, that is, Sunny Skies. Why, nopony, not even those closest to you, will know who you are. Even your cutie mark is different.” “Yes, and we’re leaving very early this morning to catch the first train to the coast. Are you packed?” “I am.” “Me, too. We’ll take a couple of saddlebags and sneak out at 4. Only Shining Armor knows where we’re going and he and Cadence will wake us up.” She giggled again and I realized she was having the time of her life. “I’m ready to go, Sunny, yes, I am! Until 4, then.” I remembered not to bow and headed back to my quarters. I went straight to sleep and slept the sleep of the righteous until I heard a light tapping on my door. I answered and found the very pretty and sweet-tempered Princess Cadence waiting for me. She was breathless and excited, too, and I realized this was as much fun for her as it was for Sunny. We met up with Shining Armor who was with Sunny and we all trotted to the train station. Before we boarded, Shining Armor shook my hoof and wished me well while Cadence and Sunny hugged. The train pulled out right on time at 5. Sunny raised the Sun and lowered the moon at 5:45 exactly, and then we both went to our quarters in the sleeping car for a nap. We ate breakfast together at 8 and talked about other vacations we’d had. Sunny was fascinated with some of mine from my prior life particularly when I told her about the Grand Canyon and the Kentucky Horse Park. We arrived at the resort a day later. We took a cab to the elegant hotel which catered to upper middle class ponies. I checked us into a very nice (but not the nicest) room with a suite, two bedrooms, a kitchen and a view of the ocean. Sunny raced out to the balcony first thing and stood with her eyes closed. “Smell that sea air!” she exclaimed. “I fell rested already.” Our days fell into a pattern of rising with the dawn, sleeping in a little more, having a good breakfast in the room (which I fixed; Sunny couldn’t cook at all), going out and about for concerts, tours, and time on walking trails, then lunch, a nap or Sunny shopping and finally an evening meal. Sometimes we went out in the evening as well since we’d planned on several events but other times we just rested in the room reading or talking. I was surprised at how quickly I fell into the “married” role; after all, I was married for 45 years before I died. We even had a few arguments about what to see when and about shopping which bored me to tears but generally had a splendid time. We went out dancing several times and I was pleased to see I was as good a dancer here as I was in my prior life. We often talked of Princess Celestia as if she were somepony else completely separate from Sunny Skies. That’s how I learned the real reasons behind Luna’s banishment and how I found out in excruciating detail about Twilight’s course of study; Princess Celestia loved her like a daughter. I also learned Princess Celestia was desperately lonely most of the time with her sister gone. After we’d been at the resort for a week and I’d sent a message to Shining Armor that all was well, we had a spa day. I polled the cutie marks on the spa ponies and picked up all sorts of techniques but was more than happy to have them work on me and then to soak in the mineral baths. Sunny came out more relaxed than I’d ever seen her and I realized she’d finally shed the burdens of ruling. We went back to the hotel and agreed to take a nap before having a gourmet dinner at The Prancing Pony. I’d slept about half an hour when I heard my door open. I started to sit up but felt a hoof gently push me back down and then a pony lie next to me. Oh, ho, I thought, now that’s what I’m talking about. It was Sunny of course and that started our love affair. I realized Princess Celestia had found a way for us to be together and not violate protocol and, since Sunny was the Princess, I loved her every bit as much. I also could feel a sadness in her I didn’t understand until much later. Meanwhile, a part of me knew she was Princess Celestia and had a kingdom to run but I just plain didn’t care; I had another week with her and I planned to enjoy every minute of it. Sunny must have thought the same since she was more animated and alive than I’d ever seen her. We finished out the week in a haze of delirious lovemaking, food, sleep and walking on the beach. Sunny taught me to preen her as well and had me work at it each day. She said it was because I needed the practice but I thought I was because my One True Love was rather vain about her appearance and wanted to look her best. We were lying in bed, her head on my shoulder, the night before we were to leave when Sunny broached the topic we’d both avoided: what happens next. “Ben?” “Hmm?” “We go back tomorrow.” “Eh? Yes, I know. The royal rail car will hook up to the train in Hoofington and you can change back to Herself well before we get to Ponyville and then home. Shining Armor and a contingent of the guard will meet Princess Celestia at the station and I’ll just blend into the crowd while they escort her to the palace.” Sunny lay in silence a moment, then I felt her sniff, then really sniffle. I braced myself (all those years of marriage proved helpful once again) before she burst into those terrible, wrenching sobs mares have when they’re broken hearted. “But what about us?” Sunny wailed. “What’ll we do? You can’t be Celestia’s consort, you just can’t! The last time she tried it centuries ago was a complete disaster.” Oh, really? I’d have to ask about that one later. I held her tighter. I’d thought about this and was ready with an answer which was best for both of us and would allow Sunny to keep our time together to herself. I hoped she’d think of it first, though. “I know, Honey, I know that. I know the answer when you’re ready to talk and I believe you know it, too. You won’t like it much but Celestia will. And we’ll always have Stableside,” I said, remembering Casablanca and not too proud to use it. The sobbing soon turned back into sniffles. I gave Sunny a tissue and she got up to wash her face. When she came back, she lay on the bed with all four hooves tucked under her, a position she knew I loved. I sat up myself. “You’ll have to leave. Celestia knew this even before we came here. You’ll have to leave Canterlot and start a new life somewhere else so she won’t pine after you and neglect her duty. Maybe it would be different if Luna were here, but she isn’t so it isn’t.” “I know, Sunny. I knew what I was doing, I truly did. I’d do it again, more than once, if it meant I could have this time with you. And Celestia’s right; Herself can’t have me acting like a mooncalf around the palace.” “A what?” “Er…a lovesick moron.” “Heh. ‘Mooncalf’.” After perking up a little, Sunny was sad again since “mooncalf” made her think of Luna. “I love you, Sunny,” I said. “I always will, no matter what becomes of me.” We each leaned forward for a passionate kiss. “Princess Celestia knows her duty, though; her parents taught her well.” Sunny had told me about Tia’s parents and they weren’t ponies I was eager to meet under any circumstances. Sunny sat up again. “Very well. Celestia is sending Twilight to Ponyville to help organize the Summer Sun Celebration. You could live there, perhaps open a shop of some sort. I know,” said Sunny animatedly, “how about an invention shop? With your knowledge of magic and technology, you could come up with all sorts of useful odds and ends. The royal treasury could give you a payout of oh, say, 10,000 bits along with a stipend for awhile until you’re established.” I whistled silently to myself. The idea was a very good one (close to what I was thinking, too) and the initial payout which I didn’t expect was enough to make me fairly wealthy right away. I’d have to leave Sunny and some of my other new friends but since that was inevitable, I thought it best to accept. “Well, that’s done, then.” We looked at one another sadly, then both grinned at the same time. Sunny pounced on me before I could move and we rolled around on the bed. This led to lovemaking so intense it became one great throbbing sensation followed by the sweet oblivion of sleep. The next morning we packed our saddlebags and checked out of the hotel. We caught the 7 o’clock train and were on our way. The plan worked just as Shining Armor and I had organized it. A brass band and a contingent of guards met the train in Canterlot. Chancellor made a little speech welcoming Celestia back from her vacation as she stood regally on the platform, then her chariot drove her to the palace as the guard marched in front. Quite the show, I thought, as I left the train with the other passengers and made my way to the servant’s entrance. The maids and other staff made a big fuss over me as I walked in. “Greetings, all!” I said to the smiles, pats and kisses. “We’re back, very posh, two weeks of lazing on the seashore and acting as bodyguard while Herself shopped.” Whatever the servants knew (and I guessed they knew everything, Sunny and all), well trained as they were they never breathed a word about it. Princess Celestia left for the Summer Sun Celebration the next morning. All know what happened next with Nightmare Moon, the Elements of Harmony and so on. I missed that since I was still in Canterlot, but it affected my life and the lives of most of the ponies I knew for some time to come.