Title: Celestia and Anon part 2 Author: Oolatoocs Pastebin link: http://pastebin.com/Pw2jGLN6 First Edit: Wednesday 13th of November 2013 06:19:07 PM CDT Last Edit: Wednesday 13th of November 2013 06:19:07 PM CDT "Open the gate."   Celestia peered into the gloom. The cold and damp gave her coat a dull sheen, but she did not shiver. One of the guards turned the key and Anon stepped out of the cell, ruffled but awake.   "Good morning, Celestia. At least, I assume it's morning." "I'm sorry about the conditions of your stay, but we still don't know if you're a threat. These are the only secure places we can keep you. Come."   She turned and began to walk along the narrow tunnel, followed by Anon and the guards surrounding him. The hooffall echoed eerily throughout the largely unused dungeon, a remnant of more violent times. The tunnels played tricks with the sound, making it seem as though someone was following the group. Celestia talked over her shoulder as she walked.   "I trust your night wasn't too unpleasant." "It could've been worse. Bed was comfortable enough, but I couldn't eat half the food that was brought." "You'll have to talk to the palace cooks about that if you're going to be staying." "I can stay?" "Perhaps..."     In the daytime, the throne room is resplendent. The low-hanging sun, filtered through bright stained glass, bathed the room in a rich pattern of colour. The tapestries on the opposite wall seemed to come alive with the light. Celestia walked the length of the hall to join her sister on the throne. Anon followed, but was stopped by crossed spearheads some way from the princesses. Celestia sat, and leaned towards Luna.   "How was the night?" "Tense. Even with the doubled watch, I couldn't relax." "But no more incidents?" "Some false alarms, but nothing came of them. Everypony's on edge."   Luna glanced towards Anon.   "He's caused quite a stir."   >And for good reason. >Nopony is sure about what's going to happen here. >Even I'm a little apprehensive. >I can't imagine what the average pony might think.   "Were you able to access his dreams?" "No. I couldn't find him. either he dreams differently to us, or he does not dream."   >Or he's able to place a ward on his dreams. >if he can use magic, that might be dangerous. >But a sapient creature that doesn't dream... >It doesn't bear thinking about.   "Did word of this leave the castle?" "Our subjects know something happened. We can't hide that, the alarm sounded throughout Canterlot. Luckily, they don't know any details, however they'll be expecting an announcement today." "We had better get this done quickly, then."   Celestia nodded to the court scribe before turning to Anon and beginning the proceedings.     "Please state your name." "I'm Anon." "How did you come here?" "I can't remember." "Why did you come here?" "Didn't we get the small talk out of the way last night?"   Luna's hackles raised as she addressed him.   "This is for the official record. You will answer all questions truthfully and respectfully. What's so funny Celestia?"   Celestia was trying to stifle a giggle with her hoof.   "Oh, come on, Luna. I think you could use a laugh." "Sister, we still don't know if he's a threat." "Sigh. You're right of course. Anon, please answer the question." "All right. I needed a change. Where I come from, it wasn't for me. I had to get out, find somewhere new." "But why here?" "It seemed safe. Inviting. I felt like I could fit in here." "How did you find out about this place?"   Anon's eyes widened and his face went pale.   >He wasn't expecting that. >Now maybe we will be able to see his intention.   "I don't think you'd believe me if I told you." "I insist."   Anon started fidgeting.   "I saw this place on television." "Television? That means far sight, no? Are you able to see distant lands with magic?" "No. Well, kind of. A television is a device that allows you to see distant places, and, apparently, other worlds."   >Other worlds? >I know there are other planes of existence, but they're all empty. >At least, the ones I've encountered are.   "So, do you come from one of these other worlds?" "I do."     Luna leaned over and pressed her muzzle into her sister's ear.   "Can you believe this?" "I know! Evidence of life on other worlds!" "No, I mean can you believe what he's saying? He's clearly lying!" "Luna, for the past thousand years I have travelled across this world and ventured into planes beyond. I have defended Equestria from innumerable threats, some so terrible I dare not speak of them. And yet I have never seen anything like this before. He appeared right in our throne room. I'm sure that if he meant us harm, he would have acted by now." "Hmmph. Well, we should still be cautious." "I absolutely agree."   Celestia turned back to Anon.   "If you were to stay here, what could you offer Equestria?" "Well, I can work with my hands. Especially jobs that require finesse. Fixing small things, detailed cleaning, and the like. Hands are useful like that."   Anon held up his hands and wiggled his fingers. A couple of onlookers cringed at the fleshy protrusions.   "Or I could write, be one of your scribes like miss what's-her-face over there."   The scribe looked up from her parchment to scowl at Anon.   >Maybe he could be of use to us after all.   "Very well."   Celestia stood up and spread her wings.   "We have made our decision. You will be allowed to stay, but you shall have to be kept in the palace for now, under close supervision. You can scribe for us, and your first assignment is to write about the world you come from." "OK, what would you like to know?" "Everything."