Celestia and Anon part 4

Celestia was sat on her throne, unmoving. A few ponies in rich garb stood in front of her, their leader proselytising. The princess regarded them with a practised look of concentration.

"Furthermore, the Canterlot Chamber of Commerce believes that the rate of taxation..."

 

>It's not even midday and I'm already counting the minutes.

>I can't keep on like this for much longer.

>Why can't I concentrate?

>This isn't even one of the trivial issues I get from time to time.

 

"...so all we're asking for is a little relief in hard times."

"Thank you for your time, your proposal will be considered."

The ponies, unsatisfied with the curt dismissal, turned and left the throne room. Once the door closed behind them, Celestia stood up and stretched her wings and legs. A short walk took her to a window overlooking a courtyard where she could see foals playing. After watching for a few moments, she sighed.

"Raven, who has the next audience?"

"The aide consulted her parchment. "Anon the human has the appointment, your highness."

 

>Anon?

>Why does he want an audience?

>We've talked at length every night for nearly a week now.

 

"How did he get an appointment so quickly?"

"He was quite insistent, Princess. Plus, he's a special case.

 

>He's certainly that.

>Well, at least this will be some relief from the day's duties, however brief.

 

"Send him in."

 

 

The tall doors glowed with magic as Anon walked into the room. Celestia smiled at the sight of him.

As he walked past the guards, Anon reached over the back of one of them and tapped him on the shoulder. The guard turned away from Anon and planted his hooves into the ground, ready to defend himself. Celestia giggled as his eyes searched the air for the invisible intruder. "A phantom...?"

Celestia calmly walked over to calm the pony. "No, just a trick played by Anon." She turned to the Anon. "A trick he probably shouldn't play on armed guards."

"Sorry, Celestia. It's just something I do when I get nervous."

"It's fine," she said as she led hem back to the throne, "I enjoy a good trick myself. Do you know any more?"

"A few."

Anon rolled up his sleeves, reached out and pulled a bit from behind Celestia's ear. She squealed and jumped away when she saw it.

"How did you do that?"

"Magic," Anon said as he tapped his nose.

 

>Was Luna right?

>Has he tricked me into thinking he's harmless?

 

"I thought you said you couldn't do magic."

"Well, not like you. It's a different sort of magic. Sleight of hand, we call it. Basically we fool people into thinking we can do things that should be impossible."

"Intriguing. Can you show me more?"

"Well, yes, but not now. I actually came here to ask you something."

"Of course, Anon." Celestia lazily flapped up to her throne. "Please, what do you want to ask?"

"I've been here for a week now, and I feel that we've gotten to know each other quite well. When will I be allowed to leave the palace?"

Celestia frowned. "Anon, I'd love you let you out, but I don't think the populous would be ready to see you walking about in the open just yet. Besides," she winked "we'll need to assess your newly discovered magical ability before letting you out. Say, tonight in the crystal hall?"

"As you wish, Princess."

 

 

"Trust me Luna, You'll want to see this."

Luna glanced sideways at her sister as they walked together towards the Crystal Hall.

"As long as it doesn't take too long. You know I have business to attend to." Celestia had been beside her sisters bed almost as soon as she woke, trying to convince her to attend Anon's Demonstration. Luna had eventually agrees, but wan't happy about being torn from her duties.

"I heard that you denied Anon's request to leave the palace today."

"I did. I assume you have an opinion on my decision."

"You told me shortly after he arrived that if he was a threat, he would have acted by now. Why keep him here if he won't bring Equestria harm?"

"It's not his intent I'm worried about. You know how ponies can be when they encounter unusual things. The panic could overwhelm Canterlot."

"They already know he's here. I've had reports of ponies asking the gatekeepers for a chance to see him."

"Of course the curious ones want to meet him, but most would be frightened if he were to come out."

Luna twisted her lips. "I still think we should allow him to see Equestria. That's why he came here in the first place."

They arrived at the door into the Crystal Hall.

"We will, my sister. But for now, forget that business and have a little fun."

Celestia's horn glowed, and the doors opened.

 

 

 

The Crystal Hall, as it's name suggests, was carved entirely from a single enormous and ancient gemstone. An incredible feat of craftsmanship, and nearly as old as Celestia herself. Towering pillars supported the ceiling, and refracted the light of the many candles to make it seem as though they contained a shifting galaxy of stars. A table had been set up in the center of the room, laid out with various objects.

 

>So many props...

>Cards, coins, and cups.

>What could they possibly be used for?

 

Anon fidgeted as the sisters approached the table. Still, he put on his best grandiose voice as he greeted them.

"Welcome, royal sisters, to Anon's Amazing Magic Show! Here you will see-"

"Magic!?" Luna exclaimed.

"Calm down, sister. this isn't magic as we know it. It's more like a trick, or a practical joke." She turned to Anon. "And you don't have to be so nervous either. We're not looking for a show, we're just curious about what you can do. Why don't you show Luna the coin trick?"

"OK." Anon said. Luna shied away from Anon's hand as he reached out. "It won't work if you don't keep still." Luna frowned, glanced at her sister and held her head still. Anon's empty hand reached behind her ear and returned with a coin.

"How did you do that?" Luna asked as she put a hoof to her head, feeling for the spot that was apparently growing bits.

"I can't tell you I'm afraid. Magicians secrets and all that."

"You see Luna?" Celestia laid a hoof on her shoulder. "It's just some harmless fun. What else have you got for us Anon?"

Anon smiled and picked the deck up, fanning it out before the princesses. "Pick a card, any card."

 

 

After half an hour of having her cards guessed, balls disappearing from underneath cups, and coins appearing from nearly everywhere, Luna had had enough.

"This was very enlightening, Anon, but I must go now. Duty calls"

"Well, thanks for watching anyway."

"You're very welcome. Celestia, A word please?"

Celestia followed her sister out into the hallway as Anon gathered his things. As soon as the doors closed behind them, Luna turned to confront her.

"Why is he still here?" Luna hissed.

Celestia's face turned to annoyance and anger. "We discussed this. The citizens aren't ready."

"He's not your toy, Celestia. He is not here for your entertainment, or your affections."

"How dare you!?" Celestia's face reddened. "I have only the interests of Equestria at heart. Do you not remember how we were treated when we first came to this place? And we only have both wings and horn. Imagine how they would react to this human."

"I remember very well, Celestia. But that is ancient history. Times change, ponies change. If it takes a pony that was removed from society for a thousand years to tell you this, then you need to take a long look at why you're keeping him."

The door Cracked open and Anon walked out, clutching his bag of props. "Oh, you're still here. Is everything OK?"

"Yes." Celestia replied, keeping her eyes focussed on her sister. "Luna was just going to attend to her duties."

Luna glared at Celestia for a few more seconds before walking away. Anon waited for her to turn a corner before asking Celestia.

"What was all that about?"

"Nothing, Anon. Come on, it's time you went to bed."