Title:           A Strange New World CH4
Author:          CanadianPotato
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/0bmm25rb
First Edit:      Monday 10th of March 2014 07:48:07 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Monday 10th of March 2014 07:48:07 PM CDT

>With water still dripping from your damp hair, you enter the dining room and take a seat opposite the expectant princess.
>”I hope my awakening wasn’t too rude,” Princess Luna says coyly, flashing a cheeky smile.
“Was that the infamous ‘Royal Canterlot voice’ that awoke me?” you grumble, reaching for a pitcher of pressed apple juice. “You could wake the dead with that volume, I’d wager.”
>“I could have been less subtle and just entered your dreams to wake you up.”
>You almost drop the pitcher in surprise at the princess’s casual admission.
“What? You can enter the dreams of other’s?”
>”Everything in the night is under my domain,” she proclaims with a hint of pride. “Do not worry though, for I don’t intrude on dreams without permission. I have no interest in abusing my powers.”
“I wasn’t worried,” you mutter. “What about nightmares?”
>She raises an eyebrow in surprise.
>”Nightmares? Well, they’re just like any other dream.”
“But if someone was having an unpleasant dream, would you help them?”
>“Of course!”
”Only ponies, or any Equestrian citizen?”
>“I do not discriminate between races, and I help whoever I can.”
>You pause for a moment, thinking to yourself.
“What about me? I’m not an Equestrian subject, and the nightmares that plague me are born from countless lifetimes of madness and despair. Would you help me as well?”
>Luna rubs her chin thoughtfully, pondering the question.
>”Truth be told, I’m not entirely sure. I can’t answer that question, Anonymous.”
“That’s alright,” you reply reassuringly. “Some questions aren’t meant to be answered. As long as they give you something to think about…”
>Luna cocks her head at you, eyeing you with an undecipherable look, before sniffing the air curiously.
>“You smell of beauty products. Have you been to the spas?” she asks, changing the topic.
“I don’t know what a ‘spa’ is,” you shrug. “There were a bunch of bottles in the shower and they smelt nice enough, so I poured them over myself.”
>”Yes, you certainly did,” Luna chuckles. “Perhaps somepony should have warned you…”
“Warned me about what?” you inquire, narrowing your gaze at the Princess.
>”Oh, it’s nothing. You smell wonderful, I assure you.”
>Your gaze narrows further.
>”Well, for a mare anyway. Males don’t usually go around smelling of lavender and lotus,” she exclaims with a burst of laughter.
“Better than smelling of blood and sweat like I usually do, wouldn’t you agree?”
>Luna laughs, before nodding in agreement.
>”I suppose. And a creature such as yourself hardly needs to worry about coming off as effeminate, that’s for certain.”
>She begins giggling again, prompting curiosity from you.
“You seem rather excitable this morning.”
>”Why wouldn’t I be?” Luna replies cheerfully. “We’ve got quite the day ahead us! Mingling with the peasantry, competing in events, and a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes!”
“I wouldn’t refer to them as the peasantry, Princess.”
>”Why not?”
“It’s quite a demeaning word, although I’m sure you mean no ill when saying it. Try something more neutral, like ‘citizen’.”
>”What about proletariats?”
“No.”
>”Labourers? Lower class? Serfs?”
“Just use citizen,” you say with finality.
>Luna rolls her eyes in annoyance, letting loose a strained sigh.
>”Very well then,” Luna mutters. “So many things changed in my thousand year absence. Before Nightmare Moon’s banishment, I’d never have to worry about diction or offending the peas-er, ‘citizens’ of Canterlot. Besides, it’s not like I’ve had long to adjust to this new style of speaking.”
“Did Celestia use those kinds of words, back in your day?”
>”Of course. It was perfectly natural back then. And now she’s had a millennium to adjust and expects me to do the same in a handful of years…”
>You wolf down the remains of your breakfast, sensing the princess’s growing impatience.
>“Is that a sign that you ready to leave? The festivities are already well underway.”
“Yes, I’m ready to leave. Are Solaire and Celestia not joining us?”
>”My sister is organizing the festivities and is already there,” Luna explains. “Solaire was overseeing some jousting event, if I remember correctly.”
“Jousting?” you reply incredulously. “How on earth do ponies joust?”
>”Holding the lance in our mouths.”
>You shudder at the thought of your teeth shattering in a jousting battle, before shaking your head.
“Never mind that. Let’s just go.”
>”Excellent!” Luna shouts happily, practically bouncing on the spot. “I can barely keep my excitement in!”
>Before you can leave, an exhausted looking bat guard enters the dining room.
>”Are we leaving now?” he asks, looking sourly at the both of you.
“Yes, we’re about to depart. Are you Luna’s bodyguard?”
>He nods with reluctance, before yawning.
>”Yeah, Princess Celestia ordered Luna to be accompanied by a bodyguard wherever she goes. After the changeling attack, she’s not taking any chances.”
>”My sister worries far too much,” Luna mutters in annoyance. “Very well then. Just remain at an agreeable distance.”
>The guard nods silently and follows as you and Luna leave the room.
“He looks exhausted.”
>”I’m not surprised,” Luna says sympathetically. “He should be asleep at this hour, not following the two of us.”
“Wait, shouldn’t you be tired as well?”
>Luna winks at you, before smiling.
>”I have my ways.”
“Ah, some sort of magic spell?
>”No, just a little help from this.”
>Her horn glows and a round, metallic object appears in your hands.
“Red… Minotaur?” you read, curious as to what exactly this thing was.
>”Open it and try it!” she recommends enthusiastically.
>With a shrug, you rip off the top of the can, spying a strange looking liquid inside.
>You take a gulp and immediately regret it, spitting the tingly drink onto the pavement below you.
“That’s rancid!”
>”I never said it tasted good, just that it keeps me up during the day,” Luna replies, a grin adorning her face.
>You cough on the sharp taste, before clearing your throat.
“Before we go to the festival, I want to visit Rainbow Dash,” you say with a wave in the direction of the hospital. “Just to make sure she’s alright.”
>”I shall accompany you, then, and offer my sympathies.”
>Ponies on the street give you a wide berth as you walk to the hospital, with the bodyguard trailing behind at a comfortable distance.
>You pass various stalls and tables, stacked with enticing foods and curious knick knacks for sale. The festival itself wasn’t being hosted on the streets, but it had spilled out regardless, and now the streets were packed with ponies.
>A curious creature grabs your attention, and you gaze upon it in disbelief.
>What appeared to be half eagle and half lion was returning your gaze with contempt, sneering at you.
>You had heard of such creatures before in fiction… gryphons, they were called.
>”Are you going to sample my éclairs or are you just going to stare at me? Hello?” the gryphon snaps impatiently.
“I beg your pardon?”
>”Princess Luna?” the gryphon asks, facing your companion. “Are you in charge of zat thing?”
“He is a good friend of mine,” Luna replies sternly. “I’d advise you treat him with respect.”
>The gryphon’s tone immediately changes.
>”Terribly sorry, Sir, I was not aware you were accompanying ze princess,” he apologizes in a thick, unidentifiable accent. “Have a, um, complimentary éclair.”
>”Don’t mind if we do,” Luna smirks, levitating two of the white treats over from the table.
>As you walk away, you turn to Luna excitedly.
“That was a gryphon!”
>”Indeed,” Luna says through a mouthful of éclair. “You seemed surprised at his existence.”
“I’ve never seen one with my own eyes before. Are they all that rude?”
>”They’re… direct. Gryphons don’t tend to beat around the bush, so to speak.”
>Your walk takes you into a heavily crowded market as your mind wanders.
>What kinds of races could there be here in Equestria? How many more fantastical beasts would you encounter here?
>Granted, the gryphons you were familiar with were twice the size of men, not half, and they were fire-breathing horrors, not bakers.
“Say, Luna? Do you have many other races living in Equestria?”
>”We've got a small population of minotaurs dispersed around the land, and a colony of dragons to the north, along with diamond dogs. You already know of the changelings, of course.”
>Minotaurs? Dragons?
>Well, they can't be as ferocious as the ones you faced in Lordran, if they're living freely in Equestria-
>Your chain of thought is broken off as you bump into a pony, causing it to stumble backwards..
“Oof! Oh, forgive me! I was absorbed in conversation and didn’t see you there.”
>”You had your eyes open, and yet were blind. If you were so deep in thought, then what’s on your mind?”
>You fail to muster a response, instead opting to gape at the striped pony.
“I beg your pardon, but did you just speak in rhyme?” you finally splutter, making the strangely-striped pony chuckles.
>”I know that my speech can be too hard to swallow. I sincerely hope that you’re able to follow.”
>You pause for a moment, collecting you thoughts.
“Your speech is strange, that I can see. Apologies for the stumble, please forgive me.”
>Your improvised rhyme elicits a beaming smile from the pony.
>”Your tongue is clearly quick to learn, but my trust you cannot easily earn.”
“If my intentions were to impose a threat, then a horrible fate you would have already met.”
>”Your stature and armour disagree, how can I know you pose no threat to me?”
“I repeat my statement from before,” you say, shaking your head. “I cannot talk in rhyme anymore.”
>You shrug in linguistic defeat as the pony laughs.
>”A commendable effort indeed. Was there anything that you need?”
>Glancing round, you spy strange fruits, herbs and all manner of things lay stocked on the table. Luna, completely disinterested in your verbal battle, is examining each item with fascination.
“Is this your stall?”
>”All that which you can see is what belongs to me.”
“I’d rather know what all these things are before I make a regrettable purchase.”
>”If you must know, I offer a variety of ingredients and potions, from cures of ailments to balms and lotions.”
“I’m afraid I’d have no use of your wares, madam. I’ll politely pass.”
>”Uh, excuse me?”
>You turn around and are greeted by a mare giving you an annoyed glare.
>”Are you buying something or are you just hogging the queue?”
>The striped mare laughs, stepping between you and the mare.
>”I shall resume this talk in just a second, to me my shopkeeper duties beckon…”
>As the stall owner tends to the customer, you walk over beside Luna, who had left the stall and wandered into an opposite shop.
>She was peering into the depths of a glass bottle filled with a mysterious, smoke-like substance that seemed to swirl with a mind of its own.
“What is that?”
>”I have no idea,” Luna replies honestly. “A lot of these items are from the overseas kingdoms and distant lands, foreign to even me and my sister.”
>You momentarily consider uncorking the bottle, before deciding against it.
“So, any idea who the pony is?” you say, nodding in the direction of the striped pony’s stall.
>”She’s Zecora, a zebra. She was responsible for changing Twilight Sparkle’s perspective on those different from her, so you needn’t worry about her trustworthiness.”
>You spy the impatient customer from before handing Zecora a handful of coins before leaving the tent, a basket of spices held on her back.
>Zecora beckons you over once more while smiling at you.
>”You may not have use of me, but the other way round I shall have to see…”
>The exotic, twisting tone of the pony confuses you.
“You need me? I’m not sure if you ponies are normally so forward, but I’m a rather recent addition to this land, and I’m still getting my bearings, so to speak.”
>”New perhaps, but for you, your reputation precedes. I think you’re capable of fulfilling my needs. From a deep, dark forest, ingredients I seek. To the creatures in the way, I am far too weak.”
“You’re asking a random stranger, likely a creature you’ve never laid eyes on before, to go out into a forest and obtain your tools of alchemy with no incentive or reward offered. Correct?”
>The striped equine cocks her head at you, before nodding.
“I’ll consider it.”
>”I see the allure of danger is no deterrent to you. If you succeed, a reward will certainly be due.”
“I’ll be doing it as a challenge, not for a reward. And unless you suppose me for a psychic, you best tell me where this forest is.”
>”On the outskirts of Ponyville stands the great Everfree. Should you accept my proposition, that is where I will be.”
“Ponyville? Rainbow Dash lives there,” you chuckle to yourself. “It's funny you mention it, actually. I had planned to visit there in the future anyway.”
>You raise a hand to the pony, who returns the shake.
“I suppose I should introduce myself while I’m here. My name is Anonymous, and I happen to be a human.”
>”Zecora,” the striped pony says with a smile.
“Zecora. An unusual name to compliment an unusual nature.”
>”You are not the only being to hail from a foreign land. I really must thank you for the helping hoof… or hand.”
“Well then, ‘Zecora’. I’ll consider your proposition in the meantime. If I decide to accept, I’ll find you.”
>Having said all that needed to be said, you beckon to Luna and exit the market-tent, your brain hurting from trying to comprehend the exotic pony’s speech.
>Luna levitates a bag with her, prompting a curious glance from you.
“You purchased something?”
>”Just a little something”, Luna giggles. “Do you know what chapstick is?”
“Never heard of it.”
>”Well, you put it on your lips to prevent them cracking,” Luna explains, showing you a small tube. “This particular one is enchanted and compels the nearest pony to kiss the user.”
>Luna winks before unscrewing the top of the tube, but you quickly prevent the motion.
“I'd rather not kiss a pony right now, thank you very much.”
>”Don't worry, I'm a collector of this sort of stuff, not a user. I've got drawers full of these kinds of things.”
>Luna chuckles, putting the chapstick back in her cotton bag.
>”So, what was the business with Zecora about?” she inquires. “I tried to avoid eavesdropping, but a few words caught my attention.”
“Zecora needs a bit of mercenary work,” you say with a shrug. “I told her I’d keep it in mind.”
>”Mercenary work? What ever for?”
“Exploring the Everfree Forest for her. It’s not surprising, in all honesty. There’s no way one person could accumulate those items without some grunt work.”
>You round the corner and the hospital comes into sight. Getting to Dash’s room takes no time at all. Having a Princess accompanying you tends to get you to wherever you wan without objection.
>When you enter Dash’s room, the crippled pegasus offers you a tired but genuine smile.
>”Hey, Anon,” she says, before raising an eyebrow. “Princess Luna?”
>”Hello, bearer of Loyalty,” Luna exclaims. “I am terribly sorry about what happened yesterday. You have my sympathy.”
>”It’s fine,” Dash mutters. “The doctors came back with the x-rays this morning, and the damage to my wing isn’t as bad as they thought.”
“So what does that mean?”
>”I’ll be able to go home tomorrow once they’re confident that my wing is healing properly. Only problem is that my home is a floating cloud house…”
“Tomorrow? I was planning to go to Ponyville soon anyway...”
>”So, you want to travel back with me?” Dash inquires. “That's fine, dude. I could show you the ropes and help you get adjusted there. What if I meet you up at the palace at midday, would that be fine?”
“Sounds fine by me.”
>”Alright! Still need to work out where I'm going to live, though...”
>”I’m sure one of your friends could take you in, no?” Luna inquires. “Perhaps Twilight Sparkle could offer you accommodation?”
>”Maybe,” Dash mutters in an unsure tone. “I’ll worry about it later. I’m stuck here for now, anyway.”
>You ruffle her hair playfully, and she winces in pain.
>”Ow! Don’t rub my head when you’re still wearing armour, dude!”
“It’s just leather.”
>”Leather’s still pretty rough,” Dash grumbles. “Don’t you have any other clothes?”
“What I’m wearing right now is all I have, and I wouldn’t have a single clue as to where I could get casual attire.”
>”This afternoon could be a prime chance,” Luna interjects. “I don’t doubt there’ll be a number of tailors and seamstresses at the fair, and any pony worth their bits could create something to fit you.”
“Sounds like a plan,” you say confidently. “In that case, we really shouldn’t dither around.”
>”Enjoy yourselves,” Dash grumbles. ”I was really looking forward to it, too...”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
>”Nah, my friends have it covered. When I get out tomorrow, Pinkie will have a bunch of souvenirs for me to show me what I missed.”
>She sighs again, rubbing her eyes.
>”It’s not a perfect replacement, but it’s all they can do.”
“I’m sorry—“
>”Don’t be," Dash says with a wave of her hoof before grabbing a book at the small table from her side. "Besides, I've got the new Daring Do book to keep me company for the rest of the day!"
“That sounds fun. Before you know it, you'll be back in the air having adventures of your own again!”
>”Come Anonymous, we’ll be late for the fair!” Luna says impatiently, trotting in place at the entrance.
“I’d better go, Dash.”
>”Don’t let me keep you waiting,” she chuckles, before whistling as you turn to leave.
“Yes?”
>”One last thing…” she says, coughing in embarrassment. “Thanks for turning up. Nice to know somepony cares about me.”
>You don’t quite know how to respond to this, so you instead speak through your actions, hugging Dash tightly.
>Not too tightly, though; you make sure to keep your hands off her tender wings.
>Luna eyes you curiously as you exit the ward and join her side once more.
>”Something the matter?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
>The density of the crowd increases as you near the heart of the festival, and a cacophony of sounds and sights overwhelm your senses.
>Sensing your disorientation, Luna nudges you down a nearby path.
>”Say, why don't we go to the jousting first?” Luna suggests. “We can try the amusements on the way, too, if you feel like them.”
“Amusements?”
>”You know, stuff like...”
>Luna pauses for a moment, before chuckling.
>”Come to think of it, this would all be alien to you. I'll show you what I'm talking about.”
>Luna leads you over to a nearby stall that was being manned by a bored looking earth pony.
>The words 'shooting range' were emblazoned upon the sign outside the stall, and a row of miniature crossbows were lined up.
>”It's two bits per turn,” he says, prompting Luna to pull a bag of coins from her side-bag.
>The thought of the princess having to pay her way around strikes you as amusing.
>”You both get a turn each,” the range owner warns sternly. “And no magic!”
>You and Luna both take a place at the range, peering down the range.
>Three small targets stood at even distances down the range, each getting further and further back.
>Crossbows were not an item you were unfamiliar with, but this one felt like a child's toy, and the bolts were rounded and weighted at the end.
>Luna levitates the crossbow up, squinting down the sight, before turning to you.
>”You first,” she giggles.
>You chuckle, raising the crossbow up.
>The first bolt makes its mark firmly in the first target with an audible 'ding'. The second follows suit, embedding in the target.
>Your third shot misses its mark though, barely skimming by the target.
>”Two targets hit!” the range owner calls out. “You get a level two prize!”
“That was a poor performance,” you groan sarcastically, making Luna smile.
>”Not a bad first attempt,” she laughs, before raising the crossbow.
>Within 10 seconds, every bolt finds its mark within the targets, and she smugly turns back to you.
“What the... It may be a child's toy, but there's no way you're that accurate, or that fast!”
>”Oh, but I am,” Luna boasts in good humour. “It's not something many ponies find out, but I'm very adept with any kind of bow.”
“I'll say. You barely even looked at the targets!”
>”All three targets hit. You get whatever you want, Princess.”
>Luna claims an oversized stuffed bear, handing it to her unamused guard to carry..
>”So, what next?”
“Something that you won't thrash me in,” you laugh. “Come, let's pay the jousting area a visit.”
>Lances collide with a resounding clash as an armour-clad guard crumples to the floor.
>In front of you lay an immense grassy field, split down the middle by a low barrier.
>The floored guard shakily rises to his hooves, helped by the very pony who knocked him down.
>”I never quite understood the appeal of jousting,” Luna comments, eyeing the field dubiously.
“It's a pure test of hardiness,” you explain as two more combatants take position. “Strength is important, but not as much as how resilient you are.”
>”Seems rather silly to just charge head on at each other, though,” Luna says, rolling her eyes. “Really, it should-Wait a moment, is that Celestia?”
>Your eyes snap back to the field as a large pony clad head-to-hoof in armour takes position.
“It certainly looks like her,” you mutter, eyeing the pony closely.
>Your suspicions are confirmed when you spy Solaire in the background, who was utterly focused on the mysterious mare on the field.
>”You'd think the peas-I mean, onlookers would be more interested in my sister participating in jousting.”
>Luna beckons to the guard, who had diligently followed the pair of you all afternoon, to come over.
>”Say, who would you say that pony over yonder is?”
>The guard squints, and it's only now you notice the slits occupying the centre of his eyes.
>”I haven't a clue, madam. Guessing it's a stallion by the armour, but he must be a giant...”
>Luna locks eyes with you, a shared look of disbelief.
>”Very well, thank you for your answer.”
>The guard nods and returns to his position, as Luna sighs.
>”Ridiculous.”
>Returning your attention back to the jousting track, you see Celestia tense, a knee bent in anticipation.
>The opposing pony charges, and Celestia begins to gallop towards him, lance readied by her side..
>Her momentum sends her opponent flying, the force of the iron tackle bringing her to standstill.
>”I'm surprised you're not up there participating,” a familiar voice calls from behind.
>Turning around, you are greeted by Rarity, who gives a curtly bow to Luna.
“Oh, hello Rarity. What brings you here?”
>”Just enjoying the festival, is all. I came to the jousting in the hopes of seeing a few knights all dolled up in armour...” she giggles. “It's fortunate that I found you, actually. I'm dying to know more about you.”
"What do you want to know?" you ask, curious about her strange, immediate interest in you.
>”Well, I assume you don't wear that armour for the sake of it. You must have had quite the adventure, yes?”
“Adventure is one way to describe it,” you mutter as Luna leans in, curious about your tale as well. “Well, my tale is a long one, filled with strife, hardship and fighting...”
>”Oh my,” Rarity exclaims nervously. “Go on...”
“Throughout my quest, I faced many adversaries, both man and beast alike. Dragons, ogres, spirits of the dark, undead warriors... Solaire and I even disposed of the gods themselves, together.”
>Rarity's eyes widen.
>“You must be so very brave to persevere in such a journey.”
I had honour to uphold, a duty to preserve."  You beat your chest with a fist. "To give into the whispers of defeat would be a greater insult to everything I fought for."
>Rarity's eyes flutter rapidly as she breathes in deeply.
>”You are certainly quite the character, aren't you?” she says breathlessly, before coming to her senses. “I'm getting awfully ahead of myself, my apologies.”
>”I don't think Anonymous will be annoyed at somepony so appreciative of him,” Luna chuckles, and you nod in agreement.
“It's certainly nice to meet a lady of such class and enthusiasm for chivalry.”
>A heartwarming, genuine smile graces Rarity’s lips in response.
“And as it so happens, I require your tailoring talents.”
>”You do? I'm more than happy to provide for such a dashing knight,” she giggles. “Will you be visiting Ponyville any time soon?”
“Tomorrow, if all goes according to plan.”
>”Excellent! I'll see you then, Anonymous.”
”Goodbye for now. I look forward to our next encounter.”
>”As do I,” she says, flashing you a final smile before turning and trotting away.
>As Rarity walks away, you turn your head slightly towards Luna, who moves in to hear you.
"Rarity seemed a little... off, from how I met her before."
>"What do you mean?"
"Last we met, she was fawning over my armour and left me alone, more or less.  Now, it's like she's got this greater interest in who I am, reacting from what little I just said about myself."
>"Ah, yes... that. I recall hearing about such things in the past."
"What do you mean by that?"
>"I heard word from how she reacts to certain beings, picturing them as "knights in shining armour", so to speak. In fact, she did so to my own nephew and plenty of other ponies and beings.  She's probably doing the same to you now; you're a targeted interest to her."
"But wh-" You pause, moving aside for a jouster trying to get to the arena.  "But why react now all of a sudden and not back in the castle when I first met her?"
>"I don't know. It could be any reason, really. In the end, it may be how you acted just now, talking of your accomplishments without such braggadocio seen of others."
"I'm hoping this doesn't become a future concern of mine."
>"Such nonsense shouldn't be in your head right now.  We should instead be watching my sister being giddy. It's quite amusing to watch the captain’s reactions whenever a jouster attacks her."
"Ah, so he knows it's her too?"
>"Oh yes, and it's extremely entertaining that he does."
>Looking across, you lay your eyes on Shining Armor for the first time.
>By pony standards, he certainly looked the part: sharp features and a proud stature combined to exude an aura of importance and authority.
>These features were undermined, however, by the look of stress that dominated his face.
>His evident anxiousness is perhaps not surprising given the circumstances, his employer engaging in a violent, potentially injuring sport with the guards under his own command...
>Luna sighs in contempt, shaking her head.
>”Come, Anonymous. Let us leave before I have to witness 'Tia getting brutalised by a lance to the face.”
“Where did you have in mind?”
>”Well, I'm absolutely famished, so how about a bite to eat?”
“That sounds lovely. I could do with a sit down to be honest.”
>Luna leads you away from the spectacle of the jousting field and along the crowded streets once more.
>Shortly, you arrive at what must be the cuisine area of the festival. A myriad of smells assault your senses, and you unwittingly begin to salivate.
>Luna directs you to a secluded table and returns with a basket of mixed fruits, a sight far less exotic than the foods you had smelt.
>Still, you were hungry, and had enough manners not to complain.
>”So, are you enjoying yourself?”
“Of course I am. It's wonderful seeing this side of Equestrian culture, and it's certainly a far cry than the world I left behind. Seeing people being able to relax without fear or worry is wonderfully novel to me.”
>”I'm glad this experience has been so profound for you,” Luna says, smiling softly. “I too have enjoyed this day... In no small part thanks to your company.”
>Her tone takes a sad turn, her eyes cast downwards.
“What's wrong?” you inquire, noticing her distress. “You're quite clearly upset at something.”
>”It's nothing,” she sighs, looking downwards. “I'm just reflecting on how rarely I actually get to enjoy moments like this.”
“Don't tell me a princess like you is lonely!”
>”No, not lonely. I've got my sister for company and plenty of ponies to talk to,” she says, levitating a banana out of the fruit basket. “But as for moments like these, two friends enjoying a day out... I'd be lying if I said I got to experience them often.”
>You mull over what she said for a moment, punctuating your thoughts with the crunch of an apple.
“Well, for what it's worth,” you say through a mouthful of apple. “I've had a wonderful time with you, and enjoyed every moment we shared, even my resounding defeat in the crossbow range.”
>Luna's frown eases up slightly, a hint of a smile forming on her lips.
“I mean it, Luna. You've helped me adjust into society so far, and you've been a great person to talk to. I'd be happy to call you my friend.”
>”As would I, to you.”
>For a moment, the pair of you fall into a contented silence, broken only by the sounds of your simultaneous fruit eating.
>”So, will we be able to do something like this again in the near future?”
“As fate would have it, I'm going out to Ponyville tomorrow morning and I may be staying there for a while.”
>The sullen look returns.
“But I see no reason why the two of us couldn't remain in contact through letters.”
>She perks up again, enthusiastic once more.
>”That would be wonderful,” she giggles. “I hope you'll be returning to Canterlot, yes?”
“Perhaps not for a while, but my stay in Ponyville is by no means permanent.”
>”Very well, then. I look forward to receiving your letters...”
“And I look forward to writing them.”
>Luna  appears satisfied with your answer and returns to her lunch, before letting loose a yawn of exhaustion.
>”I think today's events may have caught up to me,” she mutters sleepily. “I should retire to the castle for the day, so that I may get some rest before the night shift.”
“Would you like an escort?”
>The smile she graces you with is the biggest one yet.
>”I would love one.”
>The following morning brings a strange but all too familiar excitement to you: the excitement of adventure, the prospects of exploring unfamiliar places.
>It had become dulled to you over the centuries, with each new place only bringing more nightmarish situations, but now things had changed.
>You have a newfound optimism, a spring in your step, and you feel content.
>As you descend the steps of the Canterlot palace, a familiar mane streaked with colour comes into view.
>”Right on time,” Dash says, a bag hanging off her side. “You still up for this?”
“Of course, why wouldn't I be?”
>”Well, you aren't exactly bringing much with you,” she mutters, eyeing you up and down. “Unless you're planning for a really short trip...”
>With a chuckle, you rap on the bottomless box hanging from your belt.
“Don't worry, I've got everything I need right here.”
>”Sure,” she says, clearly dubious at your assertion. “Well, let's not sit on our flanks all day. Twilight's waiting for us at the station.”
“Why?”
>”She didn't think it was fair, me going home on my own while everypony else stayed here,” Dash explains. “Plus, I'm living with her until my wing heals.”
>Your attention draws to her cast-cased wing, which hung rigidly by her side.
“And how long will that be?”
>”Shouldn't be more than a week. Come on, let's go!”
>The streets are noticeably more quiet now that the festival had ended, with the silence only being broken by your casual conversing.
>”So, did you say goodbye or did you just sneak off?”
“To leave without saying goodbye is to invite bad luck! Besides, it'd be beyond rude to leave my best friend behind without a word.”
>”Good on ya, Anon. Having a lifelong friend run off on you without a proper goodbye is a real kick in the flank.”
“Speaking from personal experience?”
>”Yeah...” she mutters, averting her gaze. “But that doesn't matter right now. How'd your day with Luna go?”
“It was very pleasant, if a little odd at times...”
>”Odd?” Dash repeats, cocking her head in curiosity. “What do you mean, 'odd'?”
“Well, does Celestia usually don armour and joust her guards into submission?”
>”Celestia? Sparring?” Dash giggles, shaking her head. “Oh please, everypony knows that’s just a stupid rumour.”
“But I was there! I saw it!”
>”You were probably just hallucinating. That helmet must cook your brain or something.”
>You roll your eyes in frustration. Clearly Miss Dash was lacking a few swords in her mental arsenal...
>Scratch that, every pony has to be oblivious if they can't recognise their leader in a suit of armour.
>It does not take long to reach the train station, a long and large building situated on the outskirts of Canterlot.
>A thought sudden hits you, causing you to stop dead in your tracks.
>”Something wrong?”
“No, nothing's wrong. It's just...”
>Dash's raised eyebrow compels you to continue.
“Well, what exactly is a train?”
>Dash bursts into laughter, snorting in amusement.
>”You've got to be pulling my leg, right?”
>You shrug in response.
>”Well, you'll find out soon enough what it is. It'll be fun, trust me!”
>Dash leads you into the building, nudging you in the direction of a booth.
“Why are we going this way? The platform is out there.”
>”We can't just walk on without paying, doofus!” Dash exclaims, before addressing the pony behind the counter.
>”Two adult singles to Ponyville,” Dash says confidently, passing a handful of bits over the counter.
>The booth worker regards you with suspicion, his eyes glancing to the sheath by your side.
>”Hey, ditch the sword, pal! No weapons on the train!”
“What sword?” you ask innocently, showing the empty sheath. “I certainly don't have a sword. Do I have a sword, Dash?”
>”Of course not,” she says, playing along.
>”Uh huh,” the booth pony mutters, evidently apprehensive. “And why are you carrying an empty sheath around?”
“It's a human tradition,” you say bluntly.
>The pony locks eyes with you for a silent moment, staring you down.
>”Alright then,” he mutters, pushing two tickets towards Dash. “Have a nice journey.”
>As you walk towards the platform, ticket in hand, Dash nudges your side.
>”Psst,” she whispers, as you lean down to ear level. “Where's your sword?”
“I put it in with the rest of my weaponry,” you whisper back, patting the bottomless box. “If that pony knew how many weaponsI was smuggling onto this train, he might die of fright!”
>You share a hearty laugh as you step out onto the platform, but a purple blur in your peripheral vision catches your attention.
>”Twilight!” Dash exclaims, wrapping her friend in a hug.
>You opt for a more formal greeting, shaking Twilight's hoof once she breaks off the hug.
“Hello Twilight. Is it just you returning to Ponyville today?”
>”Yeah, the others are staying the night again. They'll be arriving back tomorrow, though.”
“Ah, alright then,” you mutter, looking around.
>The platform stands bare, with nothing significant or prominent sticking out.
>”The train'll be here any minute now,” Dash says, letting Twilight take her baggage. “Any minute... there!”
>In the distance, a fast, hulking mass of metal hurtles down the track, a deathly screech proclaiming its arrival.
>You tense, taking an involuntary step backwards as the train pulls into the station.
>Its bright colour scheme and cheerful exterior only serve to make you more nervous. Who in their right mind would paint something so intimidating bright pink?
>”Well, what do you think?” Dash asks cockily. “Live up to your expectations?”
“I was indeed expecting something... But certainly nothing like this.”
>”Oh, you'll be fine!” Twilight reassures you, as the train belches a cloud of steam. “It must seem daunting if you're never seen anything like it before, but trust me. It's perfectly safe.”
“If you say so,” you mutter hesitantly as the pair of ponies board the train.
>You follow them on dubiously, ducking underneath the low doorway and sitting yourself down in a seat next to them.
>With a lurch, the train jumps to life once more, slowly picking up speed.
>Butterflies dance in your stomach, this entire situation alien to you.
>”Hey, Anon,” Dash beckons, as you turn your attention to her. “Check out the view, it might calm your nerves a bit.”
>You glance out the window she was pointing to... And your jaw drops in shock.
>Before you lay the vast countryside, miles upon miles of land visible from your precarious mountainside position. Although you knew you’d been on a mountain the whole time, the sight still awed you.
>”Pretty great, huh?” Twilight asks. “I've made this journey countless times, but the view still gets to me.”
>You nod, before frowning.
>A strange feeling was forming inside, like nervousness without anything to fear...
>”Anon?” Dash asks hesitantly. “Are you alright? You look kinda pale...”
“Do you know where the restroom is? I'm just feeling... ever so slightly sick.”
>Dash points to a door behind you and you sprint for it, your breakfast threatening to vacate your stomach at any moment.
>This is going to be a hellish journey, that’s for sure...