>You wake up to the sound of someone knocking on your door.
>As you regain your senses, you feel the soft silk sheets of an unfamiliar bed.
>The knocking continues, and from the echo you tell the room is larger than your one bedroom apartment.
‘Who is it?’ you call out.
>’Anonymous?’ comes a familiar voice. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Yes Celestia. Just a little unfamiliar with being in…’ you wave your arms around ‘….here.’
>’May I come in?’
‘Depends. You going to stare at me?’
>The room went completely silent, and you chuckle.
‘Yes, Princess. You can come in.’
>As you hear the door latch lift and Celestia walk inside, you take the chance to lift yourself into a sitting position.
>’May I have a seat?’
‘Uh… Celestia?’
>’Oh, right… Umm, can I sit on the end of your bed?’
‘Of course.’
>You swing yourself so your legs fall off the bed and to the floor and feel around for your shirt.
>’Anon.’
>You turn your head to make it feel like you are interacting.
>’I wanted to say—My word!’
>What? That was fairly rude.
>’Anon, your eyes…’
>Your eyes widen and you reach up to find that your sunglasses were missing.
>So, at that very moment, Celestia was probably looking into your milky-white eyes.
‘Ah, sorry. Can you help me find my sunglasses?’
>’Of course.’
>As you find your shirt, you stand and slide it over your head.
>’I’m sorry I was so shocked. I thought that humans were born with those black coverings for their eyes.’
‘Heheheheh, oh no. No, they are an accessory.’
 
>You feel an invisible force push you backwards to the bed, and you take a seat.
>’Do they serve a purpose?’
>You take a deep breath, and sigh.
‘They make others feel better about themselves. And as you have demonstrated, that’s what happens when I don’t wear them.’
>’Anon, I am so very sorry about my reaction.’
‘No, you would have found out eventually. You took it very well.’
>’But I should be more considerate of other species. I am a ruler, after all.’
>You reach your hand up, and swat around the air near where Celestia’s voice came from.
‘Where are you?’
>Celestia brings her face into your hand, and you stroke her cheek softly…
>…before giving her nose a good flick.
‘Bad princess. No moping.’
>’Oh, you are going to pay for that.’
>You feel the same force from before push you down onto the bed, despite you fighting back.
>On your left cheek, you feel a soft breath.
>’Anon,’ Celestia lets out a breathy whisper ‘I’ve wanted to do this for a while.’
>You tense up, expecting the worst, only for your sunglasses to slide onto your face.
>’You are such a worry wart.’
>You feel your bed shift and hear the sound of Celestia walking away.
>’Also, you left your belongings in the sitting room, so I felt I should drop them off.’
>You sit up and readjust your sunglasses.
‘Oh, thanks. Are we going back to questions?’
>’No, I have duties to do today. Shall I send for some tea and something to snack on?’
‘Umm…okay. Can you ask who ever needs to bring to me not to look at me?’
>’Anon, they will meet you eventually.’
‘Yes, but one on one style might freak them out.
>’I see. Well, good day Anon.’
‘Bye Celestia.’
 
>As you walk around your room, you realise that Celestia said she brought your bag, but she never said where it was.
>You eventually find it leaning up against a wall next to a door. Where the door leads in another question?
>As you lean down to grab your bag, a loud knock comes from the door.
‘AHHH!’ you scream in surprise.
>’Sir?’
‘WHAT THE FUCK?! A TALKING DOOR!!’
>’Sir, the Princess sent me to deliver your tea and snacks. Can I come in?’
‘Uhh… Give me a minute.’
>You snatch your bag and stumble around blindly.
>Wow, you went there, didn’t you?
>Your hand finds a cold door handle and you quickly open it.
‘Okay, you can come in now.’ You say, hiding behind the open door.
>You hear the door on the other side of the room open and the sound of soft hoofsteps enter.
>’Uh, sir?’ comes a female voice.
‘Yes, I’m here. I’m just…busy.’
>’Do you know you are “busy” on the balcony?’
‘Yes. Yes I am.’
>’And did you realise that the door is made of glass?’ she said in a monotone voice.
>You go silent.
>’Would you like to come out of hiding, Sir?’
‘… I don’t know.’
>’You don’t know if you want to come out of hiding?’
‘Yes.’
>’Sir, the Princess has asked I check up on you. I would like to do my job and be on my way.’
‘Do… do you promise not to freak out?’
>’At what?’
‘My appearance.’
>’Please just come out…’
 
>You slide yourself out from behind the door and begin to feel nervous, preempting the horrific scream to come.
>A scream that isn’t there.
>’Where would you like to have tea, sir?’
‘Huh?’
>’Tea. You drink it. The princess said you liked it.’
‘Aren’t you afraid?’
>’Of what?’
‘How I look?’
>’Well, your attire looks ridiculous, and you are quite tall, but I grew up in the castle. I’m used to delegates from other nations visiting. Now about your tea?’
‘Wait. What has Celestia told you about me?’
>’You were a neighbouring diplomat. Your name is Anonymous. You drink tea. Oh, and you are…’ she trails off, realising her faux pas. ‘…blind.’
‘Yeah. And I sort of don’t know where anything is in this room.’
>’Please sir, forgive me. I do not want to lose my job because of my rudeness.’
‘Well…’
>A smile grows on your face.
‘The princess told you to make sure I am alright, yes?’
>’Yes, sir,’ she mumbles.
‘Does that mean you must do as I request if it is simple?’
>’Uh… kinda? Where is this going, sir?’
‘I have two requests. One, you sit down and have tea with me. Maybe a chat if you feel up to it.’
>’But sir, I have to get back to work.’
‘But this can be work.’ You straighten yourself up, and put on a posh tone. ‘You are assisting a foreign delegate in adjusting to a new land by showing hospitality.’
>She giggles at your impersonation, before saying ‘Yes, sir. I can do that.’
‘And two. Please stop calling me “sir”. Anon is fine, Miss…’
>You stand there in silence, and you swear you can hear her shuffling her hoof on the tiles.
>’It’s Feather Duster.’
 
>Your reaction was not the best of ones. You may have proven your childishness to the second sentient pony you have met.
>You sort of… laughed your ass off.
>After a few minutes of painful laughter, you calm down to realise you fucked up.
‘I’m sorry Miss Feather Duster. That was completely rude of me.’
>’You bet your flank it was,’ She growled. ‘but we can call it even now.’
‘Thank you. Uhh… where did you want to have tea?’
>’Oh, uh… well, there is a desk over there.’
‘Nice to know. Except where “over there” is.’
>’Oh, yeah.’ Feather chuckles nervously. ‘ Look, this might sound rude and all, but do you know what a clock’s face looks like?’
>Your eyes widen and you smile a large grin.
‘That is a great idea. I used to do that as a kid when I ate dinner.’
>’Great.’ Feather’s tone of voice was bright and cheery again. ‘The desk is at 10 o’clock. We can have tea there if you like.’
>You nod and unfold your cane, before grabbing your bag and slowly walking forwards.
>When you find the chair, you sit down and place the bag by your feet with your folded cane.
>Feather’s hoofsteps approach you cautiously, and the clang of a metal tray comes from in front of you.
>’Would you like me to pour the tea?’
‘What, are you expecting the blind guy to do it? I can try, if you want. No promises it'll end well.’
>You hear her place a ceramic cup in front of you, before pouring tea into it.
>You lightly brush your fingers around the desk, placing to memory where the cup sits, before picking it up and taking a sip.
>As you place it down, you smile.
‘Feather? Why are you trying to sneak away?’
 
>You almost lose your composure when you hear her squeak.
>’Huh…?’
‘You are trying to sneak away. I can hear you trying to hold your breath and tread lightly. I asked you to stay and have tea with me.’
>’Well, it’s just-‘
‘Were you planning on just sneaking out?’
>’No, I just-‘
‘Just going to let me talk to myself?’
>’NO! I was just-‘
‘Is it because I am blind?’
>’No! It’s just-‘
‘Because I’m different?’
>’Of course not! I just thought-‘
‘Then why in the blue blazes were you sneaking away from me?!’
>’YOU ARE BEING NICE TO ME!!’
>The room falls silent, apart from the sound of Feather’s heavy breathing.
>’You are the first creature who has asked me to spend time with them, and I know you want something from me.’
‘Oh crap, you caught me! I actually wanted to make a friend in this place,’ you chuckle. ‘Dammit, how will I make friends now?’
>You lift the cup back to your lips and take another sip before sitting back in silence.
>After an awkward silence, you hear the soft hoofsteps of Feather’s return.
‘Thank you for coming back.’
>’All you want is friends?’
‘Yes.’
>’And why me?’
‘You are the second pony I have met, and you have accepted me. Is there any reason for you not to be my friend?’
>Feather pulls up a chair and pours some tea for herself.
>’Well, you know I’m part of the help?’
‘Yes. So?’
>’Doesn’t it bother you?’
‘Oh god no. Why do you ask?’
>’Ponies are all nice but when we host a gryphon or a dragon, they speak down to us.’
 
‘But I don’t care where you are in the feudal system. Technically I’m a nobody, which makes me the best creature to be friends with.’
>’How?’
‘Someone asks who you were talking to. You say “Nobody”.’
>You smile wide and Feather giggles.
>’Cake?’
‘Oh, I love cake. What kind?’
>’We have raspberry shortcake, vanilla slice, blueberry Danish or banana bread.’
‘They all smell delicious. You can choose for me.’
>Feather places a plate next to your tea cup and you smell the raspberry aroma.
‘So, uh, weird question. Can I touch your face?’
>’Can I boop your butt?’
‘Yes.’
>’What?’
‘What? Weren’t you serious? Because I was.’
>’Serious about the face or the butt?’
‘The face. Did you really want to touch my butt?’
>’Not really. Why do you want to touch my face?’
‘It’s so I can see who I am talking to. I did it to Celestia, and she seemed okay with it. But I don’t want to pressure you. It’s okay if you feel uncomfortable.’
>’Well, it’s just… nopony has ever asked to touch my face.’
‘Have you ever dealt with a blind pony?’
>’No, not really.’ Feather takes a sip of her tea. ‘Okay, you can.’
>You smile and slowly reach out with your hands.
>The minute you touch her fur, you notice the difference in textures.
‘Wow…’
>’What? What is it?’
‘No, nothing. It’s just your fur is so different from Celestia’s. Hers was very soft, but yours is like velvet.’
>Heat rises from her face and you realise you made her blush.
‘You also have a different shaped face. It’s nice. Diversity and such.’
>’H-have you done this a lot before?’
‘On ponies? Just you and Celestia. Humans are different.’
 
>You make your way up, feeling the tickle of her eyelashes.
‘They need to trust you completely before they let you do this.’
>’Human. That’s what you are?’
‘Yes. Celestia said I look like a minotaur or an ape, but human is what I am.’
>’Well I didn’t want to mention it…’
>You chuckle as you reach the top of her head.
>Again, you feel a bone protruding from her forehead, though this one was more rounded and shorter.
>Feather squeaked again as you touched her horn lightly and you quickly snatch your hands away.
‘I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?’
>’No, it just felt…weird for somepony to touch my horn.’
>Another question comes to your mind from last night.
‘Feather, can you help me understand something.’
>’I can try.’
‘Well, Celestia said she was an Alicorn, but the species here was pony. What other races are there?’
>’Well, the princesses are Alicorns. They are few in number, but are very powerful. Graced with both a horn and wings.’
>Your eyes went wide.
‘A horn and wings?!’
>’Yes. Then there are unicorns, like me. Pegasi have wings, and finally there are earth ponies.’
‘What are earth ponies?’
>’They don’t have any extra limbs, but they are strong. Some say they have a connection with the ground like no other.’
‘So, what’s so great about having a horn? Pegasi can fly and earth ponies can beat others up.’
>’Well, with the aid of their horn, Unicorns can use magic.’
 
>You almost do a spit take, coughing away any tea you had in your mouth.
‘Magic…?’ you groan.
>’Yeah. Unicorns can use magic. Some are just more skilled at it than others.’
‘I’m sorry, but I can’t believe magic is real. It’s just a fairy tale in my world.’
>’Oh really.’
>A warm sensation surrounds you and your stomach suddenly feels like it is going to fall out of your mouth.
‘Feather!’ you cry. ‘Feather, what are you doing?!’
>’Well, right now I am levitating you upside down.’
>You grip your chair in fear.
‘Can you please not?!’
>’Why? Afraid of heights?’
‘No. I couldn’t care less about heights. I am afraid of not knowing when someone is doing something to me.’
>Feather gasps and you find yourself quickly back upright, your feet planted firmly on the floor.
>’Anon, I’m sorry. I forgot and I got carried away.’
>You let out a chuckle and pat her on the head.
‘It’s all good. No harm done. Just warn me next time you want to do that so I know.’
>You take a bite of your raspberry shortcake, savouring the new taste.
‘Mmm…this is good. Which one are you having?’
>’Me?’
‘Yes. You are allowed to eat one as well. I doubt I could eat them all. Don’t wanna be a fatty.’
>Feather Duster giggles.
>’I have always loved blueberries, so I might have the Danish.’
‘Good choice.’ You take a sip of your tea before raising an eyebrow. ‘Hey Feather. Celestia can do magic too, right?’
>’Yes. Her magic is very strong too.’
‘Do you know of a spell that sounds like lightning?’
>’Sounds like?’
>You tap the side of your sunglasses.
 
>’Oh, yes. Well I would automatically say any spells that harness lightning, but those are complex. A simpler one would be teleportation, but only a select few can do that too. Why do you ask?’
‘No reason.’
>’You know, for a blind creature, you really suck at lying.’
‘Yes, I do know that.’
>You take another sip of your tea, and marvel at the infused flavours.
>You never used to like tea, so this was a shock.
>’Anon, aren’t you going to tell me the truth?’
‘No, I don’t really…’ a smile crosses your face. ‘Okay. I’ll tell you if you answer something for me.’
>’Okay.’
‘Celestia tried to hide in my room last night, and when I call asked her to leave, there was a loud crack followed by silence. I was just curious about what happened.’
>’Oh? I wonder what the princess was doing?’
‘I don’t really care. She is gracious enough to shelter me.’
>’Well, she is a very nice ruler. What did you want me to answer?’
>A huge grin grows on your face.
‘Do you find it funny that your name is Feather Duster and you are a maid?’
>’Really?’ Her tone sounded grumpy.
‘Well, I’m sorry, but that’s why I laughed.’
>’You are so immature. But no, I do not find it funny. Ponies all have names like that in Equestria.’ Feather stifles a giggle. ‘Okay, well there is one.’
‘Who? Come on, you need to tell me.’
>’Well, one of the night guards is named…’ She giggles again ‘… Sunshine Smiles.’
>You couldn’t hold back your laughter.
>You laughed and laughed until tears formed in your eyes, and Feather joined in.
 
>When you finally calm down, breathing deeply, you wipe away your tears.
‘Oh god, I haven’t laughed that hard in ages.’
>’Me neither.’ Her tone became more depressed. ‘I actually had fun talking with you, Anon.’
‘I did too. I mean, new place, new species. I thought I would be locked up for testing, but when Celestia spoke to me like I was… normal, I don’t know, I felt less afraid.’
>’Well, I should be going.’
‘What? Why?’
>’Anon, it’s almost dinner time.’
‘Oh…’
>’Gosh, what would you do without me, Anon?’
>You laugh, and shake your head.
‘Feather Duster, I actually enjoyed today. I haven’t had fun in… oh, ages.’
>’I had fun too. You talk to me like I am an equal.’
>You flick her nose and smile.
‘I would like you to stop talking about yourself like that. You need to remember I am not royalty, nor am I special. I am a commoner, a human,’ you reach out your hand, ‘and your friend.’
>You wait only a few seconds when you feel a hoof fall into your hand.
>’Okay Anonymous. I will try.’
>Feather gets to her hooves and lifts the tray off the desk.
>You stand up and follow Feather’s hoofsteps to the door, opening it for you.
>’Thank you again, Anon.’
‘Nonsense. I must thank you. You put up with me, did you not?’
>Feather Duster giggled. ‘Yes, I did. I hope to see you again, Anon.’
‘Oh, that must be very nice, seeing and all.’
>’Oh, be quiet. You know what I mean.’
‘Darn. I thought you would fall for that.’
>’Not anymore. Good night Anon.’
‘Good evening Feather.’
>You close the door behind her, and turn around.
‘And hello Princess Celestia.’
 
>As you walk forwards, you hear hoofsteps walk in from the balcony.
>’Anon, why must you ruin my fun?’
‘Why must you spy on me?’
>’I mean no disrespect in this, but when Miss Duster did not return-‘
‘You became worried and had to check up on her. I understand.’
>’I was glad to see she was fine, though I had no doubt you were no danger to her. I am happy you found another friend.’
‘Thank you Celestia. How was your day?’
>You hear her stop by your bed before taking a seat  and you choose the desk chair.
>’It was…exhausting. I do enjoy my subjects, but it does take a lot out of me. I was hoping we could postpone tonight, but seeing as you already had a good talk with Feather Duster, I don’t think you need to be questioned anymore.’
‘Oh?’
>This surprised you a little.
‘You only wanted to talk to me to see if I was a danger?’
>’Yes, that is true. I said you were under my protection, but I have a duty to protect my ponies.’
>You smile at Celestia and nod.
‘I understand completely. I’m glad to see I have your trust.’
>’Well, that was another thing. We have one last obstacle to overcome, and then you can be free, so to speak.’
‘Oh, I’m a prisoner now?’
>Celestia chuckled. ‘I liked to think “refugee”, or even “diplomat of a new species”.’
‘You spoil me Princess. What, may I ask, is this last obstacle?’
 
>Celestia tells you the entire plan and you sit quietly, nodding along.
>’So, are you up to that?’
‘I can only do my best. Can I make one request?’
>’You may.’
‘As well as the big guy, can I also bring along a friend?’
>’Consider it done. I should retire for now. Would you like something for dinner?’
‘No thank you. I might just relax. Maybe a fresh pot of tea, if you have time.’
>Celestia agrees, and leaves through the window.
>You spin around to the desk, reaching into your bag and pulling out one of your books.
>It was a normal brown book, no writing on the cover, but dots on the spine.
>You open the book to the marked page and continue your reading, brushing your fingertip over the braille writing.
‘In a Wonderland they lie, dreaming as the days go by, dreaming as the summer die. Ever drifting down the stream. Lingering in the golden gleam. Life, what is it but a dream?’