After a week our cottage was ready. We gathered everypony and stood outside the pavilion so we could watch it vanish. It had been a remarkable place to stay, but it was time for it to go. A white petal floated away from the wall following a breeze that only existed for it, then more petals joined the aerial dance. Soon the air was filled with white flower petals swirling in the wind as they blew away, fading from view on the ethereal breeze. The ponies made small noises of amazement as we watched the last remaining petals float away.

Where once stood a palace fit for the gods, now was once again a humble meadow. The only remaining evidence of the palace I'd summoned were the white orchids among the other flowers of the meadow.

---

With the pavilion gone, we went back to the cottage for the housewarming party Pinkie had set up. This time, there weren't any revelations of atrocities or other trouble. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of trying to keep up with Blitzen. I had forgotten after my third drink that alcohol didn't affect ponies like it did humans, and she was not having salt with her drinks.

I also, once again, forgot my own limits. There've been a few times I've tried seeking solace through inebriation. They never last. Inevitably, I end up in a new world, reset and unable to handle my liquor. I vaguely recall trying to hug Blitzen and landing on the floor. Then Pinkie and Blitzen helped me into bed. Other than that, the night was a blur.

---

Canterlot - morning tea time.

Luna sipped her tea, watching her elder sister over the rim of her teacup. "Dear sister, may I inquire as to the reason you have allowed the banishment of the newcomer? Yes, she is powerful, but she has also behaved valiantly in defense of our little ponies."

Celestia took a sip of her tea before replying. "Lulu, you don't have access to The Weave like I do. When the fabric was closed, the repair was flawless. In fact, she seemed to repair a minor flaw in the weave in Fillydelphia. I had tried to repair that for weeks before she arrived."

"Oh?" Luna asked.

"Blitzen, the pegasus mare who lost her wings in that tragic accident, was on a downward spiral in her life. I had arranged for Nightingale to find out about the open rental next to Blitzen. Nightingale was this close to befriending Blitzen when Miss Asher arrived and changed the course of Blitzen's strand in the weave. Now Blitzen is on course to resume the friendships she abandoned and may even reunite with Roseluck," Celestia explained.

"And what of Nightingale?" Luna wondered.

Celestia sighed. "She ran into Heart Stone the jeweler on the way to the hospital with Miss Asher. Sister, the weave didn't show me any unhappiness in Heart Stone's life, nor that she had any interest in a romantic relationship since her husband passed, much less with a mare half her age. They're having coffee right now, and I see their happiness to be. It's an elegant solution and one I didn't even consider."

Luna took another sip of the tea and set down her cup. "So she solved the flaw in the weave, elegantly as you say. Just by being there. Shouldn't you be gladdened by this, rather than letting her be punished with a banishment she has not earned?"

Celestia stamped her hoof. "But, I do not see her! Like every, what does Alex call them? Jumpers? She is beyond my ability to bend the weave around her. I cannot control her actions!"

Luna held up a scroll. "Perhaps it would be better to earn her trust? I have received a petition from Paladin Alex Roberts to have Miss Asher's banishment rescinded. Mayhap this might provide an opportunity"

Celestia considered. "I've received a similar petition from Twilight Sparkle, and I see what you mean by an opportunity. I think it's time to meet this newcomer face to face."

---

The next day, the first thing I noticed besides the myriad lingering aches from still healing injuries, was that some deranged sadist had put a really bright ball of fire in the sky, and the light from it was stabbing me in the eyes every time I dared open them, even a little bit.

Tempted as I was to just stay in bed, Blitzen was already up, and I knew from past experience that my body would be prompting me to get out of bed whether I wanted to or not. Sure enough, the nausea started, and I stumbled into the bathroom. Through heroic effort, I managed to keep the contents of my stomach where they were supposed to be.

However, being hungover did not make using a toilet meant for ponies any easier. I put part of my mind to work, designing something to make it more comfortable for me without making it uncomfortable for the four-legged members of the household.

I carefully made my way to the kitchen. My various aches and nausea were really not helping me present the image of a stalwart champion chosen by the gods.

Blitzen sipped her coffee, giving me a concerned look. "Pinkie left a hangover remedy in the fridge." She informed me.

I opened the fridge and found a mug with a vile-looking liquid. My stomach lurched, but I took a careful sip.

"What in the name of the bleak unhallowed Hell of the Yozis is in that?!?" I screamed as I tried to look for anything to get the wretched burning agony out of my mouth.

I saw a small scrap of paper that must have been under the mug.

Pinkie's Guaranteed Hangover Cure recipe: 1 egg, 1/2 cup hot sauce (500,000 Scoville or more), 1/2 cup simple syrup, 1 cup milk, crushed egg shell.
Use: Drink as fast as possible. Do. Not. Sip!

"Oh fuck my life." I moaned and then did as directed and gulped the rest of the drink, eggshell and all. After the world stopped exploding, I noticed my hangover was actually gone. Trust the party pony to have a hangover remedy that actually worked.

"Feel better?" Blitzen asked.

I chuckled. "Yeah, actually, I do. Either that or my body just gave up on punishing me for drinking too much when it saw I was masochist enough to drink that stuff."

'Spect bounced through the kitchen, grabbing some random pastry that had been left after last night's party.

Thinking of the party, I was annoyed with myself for missing most of it and getting too drunk to remember the rest. It seemed like I kept passing out at Pinkie's parties, which was rather upsetting since I knew Pinkie worked hard on them.

"I need to apologize to Pinkie," I muttered to myself.

"One problem there, you're not allowed in Ponyville." Blitzen pointed out.

'Spect hopped onto a chair. "Just apologize to her now. Trust me."

I gave 'Spect a suspicious look but decided to try it anyway. Feeling like a fool, I said, "Pinkie, I'm sorry for passing out and missing your parties."

"That's ok, you've had a lot to deal with. But you'd better stay awake for the next one." Pinkie said as she pulled herself out of a drawer that looked way too small to fit her.

That was an easy promise to make. "I promise I'll stay awake for your next party."

"Cross your heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in your eye?" She asked, gesturing along with the words.

I dutifully repeated the words and gestures of the Pinkie Promise, and she seemed satisfied.

Pinkie pulled a scroll out of her mane. "Oh, Twilight got this letter for you from the Princesses"

I opened it and read the brief message.

We have heard about your banishment from Ponyville and request you come to Canterlot so that we may discuss having it lifted. Arrangements have been made for an escort to the train station to calm the Mayor's concerns.

Princess Celestia

"Looks like I need to go to Canterlot and meet the Princesses to get my banishment lifted. She's arranged an escort to the train station."

Blitzen groaned. "Ugh. Trains. I hate trains."

"I can go by myself." I pointed out.

"No, I should go with you. I've been there before." She said. "'Spect, let's get ready."

'Spect thought for a moment before saying, "I think I want to stay home."

"You're a young filly, we can't just leave you home by yourself. We'll probably have to stay the night in Canterlot." Blitzen told her.

"Blitzen's right, you're mortal now. No god powers." I told her.

'Spect snorted "I'll be fine, moms. I may be mortal now, but I can still take care of myself for a night."

In the end Blitzen left the decision up to me, which made sense since 'Spect was my responsibility. Given what I knew of her, I decided one night should be safe. It'd probably take her longer than that to get up to serious mischief.

---

Walking toward town, I activated my Integrated Artifact Transmogrifier charm. Panels slid smoothly and parts of my body rearranged themselves until I looked human again. As my soul gem retracted into my head, my weight became my human weight again. The process was slower than banishing my Exaltation, but that meant it didn't destroy my clothes. It did feel damn weird though. I wondered if that was what being a Transformer would feel like.

As we got closer to town, we saw Matt and Alex waiting for us. Or at least waiting for me. They must be the escort mentioned in the letter. I wasn't sure why Alex got roped into this. Of my fellow jumpers, he seemed the least likely to be able to do much if I went all Terminator-y. Matt might do a little better, but it wouldn't be too long before I'd have access to charms he'd have trouble countering. I could feel my power ready to build new charms for me once I healed enough.

Of course, right now, either of them could probably hurt me badly if I acted up. Not that I planned to.

Alex waved as we got closer. "Sorry about this, but the Mayor wants to make sure you're not up to any shenanigans."

I laughed. "Nope, no shenanigans here. I mean, I had thought of skirting the town borders and leaping on a moving train, but I think Blitzen would prefer I behaved myself."

Blitzen flicked me with her tail. "You're still recovering. Jumping onto a moving train doesn't sound very restful."

"No, it doesn't." I agreed, chuckling. "Anyway, shenanigan-free all the way."

Alex looked over at Matt. "Good enough for me. Matt?"

Matt grunted, "Eh. Close enough. For now."

Alex nodded, "I mean if you were going to do something, what could we do? Annoy you to death?"

"I'm not invincible. I'm not even that powerful yet. Tough doesn't equal unstoppable." I pointed out.

Alex chuckled, “Ture, but it does count for a lot.”

When we got to the train station, I saw Rarity trot up with a dress on a hanger and some shoes held in her magic. The dress was a fairytale confection of very dark green, almost black muslin, with tiny diamonds embedded in the material. It almost seemed like a green sky with shimmering stars, and of course, the shoes matched. It was absolutely beautiful and looked like it was meant for a princess.

Awed by the wonder before me, I said, "Rarity… I, this is too much."

"Nonsense. You are going to meet the Princesses, you absolutely must look your best. Now let us get this on you." Her magic pulled some fabric out of her saddlebag, which she used as a curtain for privacy. More of her blue sparkly magic removed my sweater and pants as I slipped off my sandals. The dress slid over me and I stepped into the shoes.

Then several ornamented sticks flew out of her other saddlebag. My hair felt like it was caught in its own private whirlwind as Rarity deftly removed my usual ponytail and shaped my hair into some new shape. The hairsticks slid into place, making small tinkling sounds as their decorations bounced around.

Rarity brought out a mirror and my eyes widened at the transformation Rarity had wrought. My unruly hair had been tamed into an elaborate updo held in place with the hairsticks. I felt like Cinderella with Rarity playing the part of Fairy Godmother. "Rarity, I don't know if my hair will stay this way all the way to Canterlot"

"That's what the hairsticks are for, darling. Leave them in place and not a hair will be out of place." She told me as she put away the curtain with a dramatic flourish. "Lady, Gentlecolts, what do you think?"

Blitzen's eyes were wide as she took in the sight of my transformation. "You look beautiful, Eleanor. Like a magical dream."

[Eleanor is ready to meet the Princess.]

---

We boarded the train, and I think both of us realized that the train ride was a chance to have the talk we'd been putting off.

I decided to go first, before the awkward silence took over our whole trip. "Blitzen, there's been something I've needed to say this whole week, and I keep putting it off because… well, because I'm afraid. I'm afraid that if I talk about us, what I'm feeling, that it'll break some spell and you'll realize you could do better than a weird alien disaster magnet."

Eyes closed, I took a deep breath and was about to continue when I felt the gentle touch of Blitzen's telekinetic hoof field touch my lips as she put a hoof to my face to stop me.

Blitzen met my eyes with hers and once again I felt myself falling into the brilliant blue of her eyes. "El, don't do that. We've both got our issues. Let's just agree we're not doing the 'you could do better' thing. Even if it were true, I don't want to. I want to be with you."

"I want to be with you too," I said. "I just don't want to hurt you."

"Then don't. And try not hurting yourself while you're at it." Blitzen sighed. "And I'll try to do the same."

---

Blitzen looked unwell after the train ride and she had muttered something about needing to lay down. We had time before I needed to be at the castle so we looked for a hotel. We'd planned to stay in Canterlot overnight anyhow.

The first two hotels we tried were booked up, but we'd heard

The manager looked apologetic, "I'm afraid the Hay and Rye Farmer's Convention is in town. There's only one room left."

Blitzen set her bit pouch on the counter. "We'll take it."

The manager took a few bits from the pouch, and I made a mental note to get a crash course on the Equestrian economy at the earliest opportunity. It would be useful to have some idea of what things should cost, like hotel rooms. A key levitated to Blitzen and she took it with her hoof and put it in her bag before retrieving her pouch.

The manager spoke up again. "I should tell you the room is the…

Blitzen was already trotting away. I looked back at the manager as I turned to follow Blitzen. "I'm sure it'll be fine, thanks!"

---

"Wow, that's a lot of heart decorations. And a basket of bread rolls on the bed. The heart-shaped bed. Lemme guess, it's got something to do with that cultural thing about offering bread?" I asked.

Blitzen blushed and tried to pretend she was examining a chair. "Yeah. This must be the um… honeymoon suite."

I snickered. "It's certainly not subtle. I kinda like it. Now, you should lay down and relax. The castle isn't far. I'll meet Princess Celestia and be right back."

---

The double doors to the throne room opened slowly. I saw Princess Celestia on her dias, with a kindly if vaguely smug expression. Her mane was a marvel, flowing with light as though it was made from a piece of the dawn sky. I gazed at it in wonder as I walked forward at a respectful pace.

As I approached the dias, I felt a slight pressure like I was walking into a light wind. Except this wind wasn't physical. It was a gentle spiritual breeze lightly touching my mind and soul. As I walked closer, the feeling of pressure increased. Not by the amount I would have expected, but by a factor of five, then twelve. Finally, when I was within a few yards, it was stronger by a factor of over a hundred. I noticed what seemed to be a slight look of frustration on Celestia's face. It was subtle but became less so as I came closer to the Princess.

I could see Celestia was struggling over something. The guards watched impassively, as still and unmoving as the guards at Buckingham Palace were famed to be. Meanwhile, I was being buffeted by a divine anima that should have had me on the floor quaking with fear and reverence. Yet I was feeling just fine. I wanted to ask the Princess if she was alright, but I knew the proper etiquette would be to refrain from mentioning the Princess' discomfort until she brought it up, should she choose to do so.

No, I would not bring up anything that might suggest the Solar Diarch was anything less than in total control within her own throne room. Cupyri would have had me dismissed from her service for such a breach of protocol. Cupyri was worlds away but I remembered her lessons well. I curtsied almost to the point of kneeling. "Your majesty, I thank you for allowing me to come before thee today."

Celestia's eyes widened and I felt the pressure on me lessen. "Please rise, Miss Asher."

I stood up and looked into her violet eyes. "I have come before thee to beseech thy mercy. I have been banished from Ponyville, and while I can accept that fate were I alone, there are others whom I would not see burdened for my sake." I raised a hand to forestall her response and knelt before her. "Regardless of thy response in that matter, I would also pledge my service to thee."

I took a breath and spent some of my essence to cause my anima to shine. "I swear fealty unto thee, majesty. Thy command is my desire, and thy request my desire. May my service always please, and may my sight grow dark if it does not. As the wheat and barley before the wind and sun, my will to yours, my liege. From now, for as long as I live in this world. I swear it upon my Name and Power."

While I'm still no expert in reading pony facial expressions, I'm fairly sure the only thing that would have surprised her more would be if I'd asked her to marry me. It is at this point that I should note that I have had fairly good luck with distracting evil queens with surprise marriage proposals, but I've never considered using the tactic on a good princess. Besides, without a camera to capture the moment it's not as much fun.

Anyhow I was waiting for Celestia to process what I'd said when I decided to break protocol a little. "Majesty?"

Seeing no indication that she heard me, I decided that protocol be damned. I moved my right leg up so I was on my left knee. I looked up at her, smirked, and said, "Princess Celestia, will you marry me?"

That got a reaction all right. Celestia sputtered for a moment and then laughed. I found myself being pulled up to my feet by her telekinetic magic. "I must say you aren't what I expected. I need to think about your pledge and your banishment. Return to your lodgings until I send for you."

Clearly dismissed, I nodded and left the castle.

---

Back at the hotel I flopped onto the bed and told Blitzen how the meeting had gone.

She looked at me like I'd grown a second head. "You did what?!?"

I tried to explain. "She wasn't moving, and my knees were starting to ache. Besides, she doesn't seem the type to have me thrown in the dungeons over it, I hope."

Blitzen's ears flattened and her eyes narrowed. "Your knees were starting to ache and you thought the solution was to propose to Princess Celestia? She who raises the sun and who has ruled Equestria for over a thousand years? The Princess Celestia who imprisoned Discord in stone and banished Nightmare Moon? Proposing to her seemed like a good idea?"

"What's the worst that could happen?" I asked, clearly still using the part of my brain that thought surprising the princess with a proposal was a fabulous idea.

"She could say yes! And then you'd have to move to Canterlot, live in the castle, be at all the royal functions, deal with the nobles, put up with palace intrigues, and, and I'd never get to see you again..." Blitzen's voice rose with each word.

I tried to calm Blitzen. "Do you really think she'd even consider saying yes?"

She thought about it. "Yes, no, maybe. I mean, have you seen you? You look gorgeous."

Now I started to worry. I didn't consider it very likely, but if Celestia did accept my smart aleck proposal it would seriously complicate my life.

The next thought to go through my head was 'She thinks I look gorgeous?' accompanied by fluttery feelings.

"I look gorgeous because Rarity is an artist, you look beautiful without all that, just being yourself. I know I don't say these things well, but you're the most beautiful mare I know," I told Blitzen. "Now don't worry, Celestia's not gonna say yes. She knows I was joking. I'm fairly sure the dungeon thing is a much more likely outcome."

Blitzen snorted. "Canterlot doesn't have a dungeon."

---

Canterlot Castle - dining room

Luna covered her mouth with hoof, trying to keep in her laughter. "So dear sister, it seems our newcomer wishes to make an honest mare of you. Have you two set a date?"

Celestia glared at her sister. "It's not that funny Lulu. She walked right up to me as though my deific field wasn't there and she did it on purpose. I poured everything into my field. It was so strong that guards were close to passing out behind the scenes."

Luna pondered as she took a sip of wine. "It could simply be her natural defenses. Or, supernatural in this case. I have not sensed any duplicitous actions on her part. I think you are overreacting."

Celestia huffed. "But every other human and jumper has been... suitably impressed by my presence."

"You should take the win, as my Paladin would say." Luna replied

Celestia considered. "Maybe, but sister, you didn't feel the force of her oath. She may very well be immortal and she's sworn to a lifetime of service. I felt the Weave itself moving to ensure she keeps her word."

Luna gave her sister a quizzical look. "I must admit, I do not see the problem."

"She moved the Weave, to do something outside of its design. The weave listens to her." Celestia explained.

Luna nodded. "Then it is good that she pledged her loyalty to you is it not?"

---

It was nearly sundown when a guard came to the hotel to bring me back to the castle. Once again I entered the throne room, but now both Princesses were waiting on the dias. Strangely this time I didn't feel the spiritual headwind I had before. When I got close I could feel the presence of their animas but even combined the level was nowhere near what I had felt the last time.

Celestia spoke first, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. In a somber tone she said, "Miss Asher, I'm afraid I must decline your proposal. I'm sure you are crushed by disappointment, but you must endure and find somepony else."

I grinned, "I'll manage, your highness. Blitzen will be relieved."

Was it my imagination or did Celestia's eye twitch a little when I mentioned Blitzen?

Luna magically lifted a scroll and set it in my hand. "We have decreed that you are a citizen of Equestria and thus cannot simply be banished from any town or city. You will have to follow the laws of the land of course. But so long as you do, you may live where you like."

"Now on to the matter of your pledge of fealty. I'm inclined to accept, but I want to make sure you understand what you're offering here. You're potentially immortal, are you certain you wish to make a binding oath like this?" Celestia asked.

I nodded. "I am. You lead your ponies well and I would like to help in whatever way I can. I can think of worse ways to spend an immortal life and I've seen too many gods who chose those ways."

Celestia gave me a measuring look. "Then tell me, why would someone who murdered a city risk her life to save two fillies? I can see you're still injured and from what was reported you came very near to dying. Even with your remarkable healing, why would you take that risk?"

I thought about how best to explain. "It'd be easy if I were a death-seeker, or if I thought I could balance my crimes. But it's not that, at least I don't think it is. I know there's no way to atone for what I've done, but who will hold me to account? The gods of that world, the highest authorities, rewarded me. In this world, I can only think of two who could pass judgment on me and it would be monstrous of me to ask that of you. So all I can do is just try to be a better person and use the powers I have to help where I can."

"And again you aren't what I was expecting. Very well, I accept your pledge and your service." Celestia began to glow with a golden light and seemed as if she were standing in a brilliant ray of summer sunshine. "I take you into my service. You are of my house, even as the very stones. I pledge to honor your service as it deserves, and to reward loyalty in kind. As the sun to the fields below, my will to yours. I pledge the Escheat to you."

"And you say I'm old fashioned." Luna said dryly.

Meanwhile I was standing there stunned by hearing Celestia recite the companion oath to the one I had sworn.

"Miss Asher seems to be in shock. Should one of us propose to her?" Luna asked her sister, with a wink directed at me.

"Eep!" I squeaked. "Sorry, I was just surprised. I learned those oaths when I lived in a Changeling freehold. Ser Cupyri taught me the proper formalities when I served as her squire. It surprised me to hear the oath of Escheat, as I'd been told Changelings here were not like the Changelings I knew."

"Indeed they are not. I would suggest reading 'Under the Mask' by Night Owl. He wrote extensively on his studies of Changelings and that volume summarizes his findings excellently." Luna suggested. "And if our world can be a foal's entertainment in your world, perhaps certain powerful oaths can cross worlds as well."

Celestia yawned. "I should retire for the night. We can determine details of your service another time, Miss Asher."

Once Celestia had left, Luna focused on me. "I must say I'm surprised you pledged service to my sister."

I grinned. "You've met me, I figured I'd spare you the headaches of dealing with me." In a more somber tone I continued. "You're welcome in my head anytime, though. You've seen the worst thing I've ever done. Not much point in pretending I have anything to hide."

"Interesting, your fellow humans seem to feel it's an invasion of their privacy." Luna noted.

I shrugged. "I can understand why, but I'm giving permission. So it's not an invasion. Besides, I've got power, enough to scare me. I'll feel better if someone can keep an eye on me."

---

Feeling good about how the day had gone, I returned to the hotel. Blitzen was waiting on the bed in a rather provocative pose.

"So, how did it go?" She asked.

GrinningI held up the scroll Luna had given me. "Banishment dealt with. And Princess Celestia turned down my proposal. So yay, things are going well!"

Blitzen gave a meaningful look at the basket of bread. "Shall we celebrate?" She said in a husky voice.

I looked at the basket, feeling like there was a whirlwind in my head and in my heart. I wanted so badly to throw caution to the wind, but I held back. This was the first time in decades where I had a chance of having a real lasting relationship, and I wanted that. That she was a pony didn't matter anymore. "I… Blitzen, there are some things I'm just not ready for. Yet. But I do want to do one thing, I want very much to kiss you."

Suffice it to say we managed to avoid ruining the lovely dress Rarity had made for me. The elaborate hairdo was not so lucky. Nor were the bread rolls, my earlier decision to take things slowly having lasted right up till that first kiss. It was awkward and confusing in some spots, but passion carried us through. Even at its most awkward the night was truly magical.

---

The next morning I woke with Blitzen in my arms and all was right with the world. I waited for some sort of freak out to hit me, but I was instead surprised to find I was just fine with what we'd done. We were two consenting adults.

Imagine that, I slept with a pony and the world didn't end.

My only worry was that Blitzen might not feel the same when she woke up. Fortunately that was not an issue, though we did discover that morning breath afflicts humans and ponies alike, so further kissing would have to wait for tooth brushing and mouthwash.

While we wished we could stay in the suite forever, there was a whole world outside to get back to and we packed and checked out, on our way back to our lives in Ponyville

---

When the train pulled into the station, I saw my escort waiting. I let Blitzen walk ahead and then bounced out of the train car, holding the decree from the Princesses. "I'm now a free citizen of Equestria, with all the rights and responsibilities thereof."

Alex grinned at me, "I knew the Princesses would sort out this banishment nonsense."

I grinned back. "Also, I am officially not engaged to Princess Celestia. I proposed and she turned me down."

It was then Twilight favored us with her best emulation of Luna's 'Royal Canterlot Voice'. "WHAT!!!"

I saw Alex and Trace facepalm. Rainbow Dash was laughing so hard she was having trouble hovering.

Trace lowered his hand and looked at me like he was again questioning my intelligence or my sanity. Or both. "Eleanor, just out of curiosity, how often has your sense of humor gotten you into trouble?"

I laughed. "Only on days ending in Y. But there's a lot of my life even before I was tossed through the cosmos where if I didn't laugh, I was gonna cry. I decided I'd rather laugh even when it gets me in trouble."

Alex chuckled. "I can understand. That was ballsy. I have to admit, I never could have pulled it off. It would have been like proposing to my mom. So, you didn't feel anything? No overwhelming sense of a loving mother? No... desire to please her in any way she would want? Maybe it's just me?"

"Oh her anima would have had me on the floor before I got halfway across the throne room if I weren't insulated by the shard of divinity wrapped around my soul." I admitted.

"Is it something she could, I don't know, turn down? I mean, I would love to have a proper conversation. Luna can do it, so strange she can't." Alex asked.

I thought about it. "Yeah, she didn't have nearly the same level of anima when she called me back that evening. Could be she's on a solar cycle, given my first meeting was around noon. Maybe that's when her power is at its highest?"

"Still. What's weird is that I've had face to face with Luna, different times of day and night. I wonder if... no. She wouldn't have done it on purpose. No. She wouldn't pull a dirty like that on me. Would she?" Alex asked.

"Y'know it's hard to tell with her. She could have been trying to humble me in our first meeting, I suppose." I let out a short laugh. "She only needed to ask."

Trace raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. “Alex, have you really never noticed? I always thought she was rather lacking in subtlety when using that aura of hers.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Though I suppose my own aetheric sensitivities do grant me an advantage there.”

"That solar bitch." Alex suddenly said harshly.

Twilight was shocked. "Alex!"

Dash hit him lightly in the shoulder, "Watch it, fat head. That's my princess you're talking about."

Alex's tone was softer, but not by much as he grit his teeth."Okay, fine, I'm the bad guy. I got my head scrambled by Princess Celestia and I should just be happy she didn't turn me to stone. Fine." As Alex stomped away, Rainbow Dash just hovered there with a conflicted expression.

I followed Alex, starting to feel my own anger rise. It hadn't occurred to me that Celestia would have done the same to Alex as she tried to do to me, and Alex would have had no protection. If it were deliberate, that would be unacceptable.

I caught up with him. "Dammit, I got so into my being able to finally not just lose my crap every time I get near a god, I forgot what you'd have gone through. Looks like my first service will be calling out my liege for conduct unbecoming her station."

Alex stopped dead in his tracks. "I'm sorry El. I need a minute to sort this out in my head. I just... I feel betrayed. When I was in Her presence, I felt unconditional love. I loved her more than Dash or Ann or my kids. Knowing she forced herself on me just—I'm angry. I know she just did it to protect her little ponies. But..."

"But she pulled a mental whammy on you," I growled as my anima flickered around me. I tamped it down to keep from reaching a level that would affect others.

"I'm going back to Canterlot. It's like you said on my first day here, 'My Princess right or wrong'. She wronged you, and it's my duty to see it righted." I said firmly.

Alex touched my arm. "El, don't. She has different standards. Maybe she didn't realise how this would affect me?"

I paused to gather my thoughts so I could explain why I felt I had to do this. "She should have known better. Besides, in a thousand years or so, when time has flensed away all the things that keep me human, do you think I would want to be the kind of person whose standards allow me to hurt someone and not take responsibility for it when I find out? No, and I don't think Celestia would want to be that kind of pony either."

I considered what I needed to do. "If I run, I can catch the train back. Can you get Blitzen home and let her know I'll be home as soon as I can?"

Alex nodded again. "Yeah I'll get her home. Thanks El. At least she can't just push you around with her aura."

---

Alex and Blitzen walked toward her cottage. She was not happy El had gone back to Canterlot, and so the walk passed in silence till Blitzen noticed what looked like a partially built white fence at the cottage.

"Oh look, somepony is building a cute little fence for the cottage," Blitzen said, trying to sound cheerful.

Alex stopped and squinted at the distant fence. "Err, Blitzen? You want to stay here for a sec? I want to make sure I see what I think I see." He walked a few meters closer "Holy crap! It is bones. Fresh too."

"Bones?! Who would make a fence out of bones?" Blitzen exclaimed from just behind Alex, having chosen not to wait.

Alex drew his knife. "Stay. Here."

This time Blitzen waited as Alex approached the cottage.

'Spect bounded out of the cottage, running toward Alex. "Oh, hey, Alex. Like my fence?"

Alex grimaced and put his knife away. "Oh. We were wondering who was building a bone fence."

Blitzen approached. "So you made the fence? Where did you get bones to make it?"

"After you guys left, a manticore passed through the woods nearby. We've got manticore meat in the fridge, and I'm tanning the hide out back. Alex, if you want to take some steaks home, I can wrap them up for you." 'Spect shot Blitzen a glare. "How could you leave an innocent filly home alone in a forest with manticores?"

Blitzen sputtered. "You're the one who asked to stay by yourself. You said you can handle it."

'Spect giggled. "Just because I said that doesn't mean you're supposed to listen. You and El are supposed to be my parents and/or guardians. I mean, you're lucky I didn't burn down the cottage or something."

Alex raised a hand, "She has a point. As disturbing as she may be, she still shouldn't be left home alone."

'Spect looked up at Alex. "Oh, I didn't have any burglars come by to require making comical traps to torment them with."

Alex thought for a moment, then gave a half smile, “Wouldn’t want to leave you home alone at Christmas, would we?”

'Spect grinned. "No, probably not. I might drop Hans Gruber off the Nakatomi Plaza building. Oh wait, wrong movie." She got serious for a moment. "From your reactions, I'm guessing normal fillies don't do this sort of thing. Live and learn, I suppose. Can I still ask El to make our cottage fit inside a small hut, and then have her build some chicken legs for it?"

Blitzen gave Alex a confused look and then looked back at 'Spect. "No. And please don't try to explain any part of that sentence. I don't want to know."

Next Chapter: Chapter 12: Pool Hustlers and Princesses. Estimated time remaining: 59 Minutes