Wayfarer dreamed he was back in the empty field of grass with a bare path that stretched in opposite directions all the way to the horizons. The wind caused the grass to sway in waves like the ocean, and the blue light of the moon reinforced this illusion. Wayfarer watched the hypnotic scene, wondering if the calm serenity might make him fall asleep standing up. A particularly strong gust of wind caused the grass to quickly whip t one side, dislodging a flock of butterflies from their perch. Each butterfly glowed a different colour against the night sky. As they flew over Wayfarer's head, one of them, a sky blue one, descended and landed on the tip of his snout. He stared cross eyed at the butterfly, and for a moment, for reasons even he didn't know, he wondered if the butterfly was happy. He wondered if it dreamed like he did, and what it might dream about. He closed his eyes, he smiled, and then he wondered what it was like to be the butterfly.

"Do you remember me yet? Do you remember... anything?"

Wayfarer slowly returned to the waking world, his eyes flittering open as the rising sun poured light into his room. Exhaling softly, he closed his eyes again and turned over, drawing his sheets closer in pursuit of their warmth. He didn't really feel like going back to sleep, but he found the prospect of spending the rest of the morning in this zen like state, laying there with only his thoughts, the warmth of his bed, and the summer sun, to be a rather appealing idea. He'd stay there until Twilight came and knocked on his door, informing him that he'd just slept half the day away. And he felt perfectly within his rights to do so, after all, there wasn't any school, and he'd just spent the last two days preparing for and participating in the Summer Sun Celebration, not to mention that whole "saving Equestria" thing he helped out with. Being lazy didn't seem like too much to ask after all of that.

Still, there was the other half of the day that he didn't intend to sleep through. It was Saturday, so he had poker night with Derpy, Time Turner, Lyra, and BonBon. He wondered how they all fared when the vines had attacked. As far as he'd heard, there hadn't been any injuries at all during the course of the chaos. But that didn't mean they wouldn't have suffered any emotional or financial pain. He imagined that Derpy's daughter might have been more than a little upset about the whole affair, and he shuddered to think of the price Time Turner would have to pay if one of those vines had gotten into his shop. Wayfarer considered stopping by and checking up on them, he'd see them later that night but it'd be nice to see them, just to make sure they were holding up well. Then it struck him that he didn't know where Lyra and BonBon lived or worked, he'd have to ask about that tonight.

Turning over again and tightening the sheets' wrap around him, Wayfarer pondered the other options he had for the today. Twilight had gone on at length yesterday about how she was going to turn the library upside down for any information about that mysterious chest that the Tree of Harmony had given them, despite Celestia's constant hints that she should just let it go and enjoy the celebration. Celestia, conversely, was almost trying to avoid the party herself, and if the bags under her eyes were any indication, it was probably to find a bed or something. In fairness, none of them had slept in what felt like days, and with everything that had happened, perhaps it was Celestia who really deserved a lazy day.

Wayfarer picked up his head, glancing up at the window and the sunlight shining through it. Sighing, he thought to himself, "Every day is probably an early start for her," then he dropped his head back to his pillow. "If she's up to it, we should hang out today or something. There's a bowling alley in town, maybe we'll go bowling." He smirked at the idea of Celestia in a pollo and skid proof horseshoes, trying to roll 12 pound balls down a waxed floor just right so they'd hit their mark and knock over all ten pins. "Yeah, let's go bowling."

Wayfarer's thoughts continued to circle around like this until there was a gentle knock at the door.

"Hey," Spike called as Wayfarer sat up. "Twilight's busy studying, so she asked me to check if you're still alive."

"I am indeed alive," Wayfarer responded as he looked over at his clock. "Ten thirty," he mused to himself. "Probably could have killed another hour, but I'd be having lunch for breakfast at that point." Tossing the covers aside and hopping out of bed, Wayfarer stretched his limbs out, popping several joints as he did so. "Another wonderful day in paradise."

Reaching for his usual attire, Wayfarer decided to forgo the overcoat and just stick with the white button up. It was getting too hot even for that though, so he rolled up the sleeves to his elbows before walking out the door.

Celestia, Twilight, and Spike were all gathered in the front room. Twilight was lifting dozens of books off the shelves at a time, some she barely gave a glance, others she took the time to skim through. Celestia was laying on one of the couches, her head laying across her forelegs which hung over the side of the chair. Occasionally she levitated a mug of what smelled like freshly brewed coffee to her lips, taking one large gulp each time before lowering it again. Spike was following behind Twilight as she worked her way around the room, catching any books she didn't want and placing them back on the shelves.

Wayfarer walked over to the couch across from Celestia's and laid down on it in much the same way that she did. He watched Twilight and Spike work for a bit before turning to look at Celestia. She didn't look too bad for someone who had been sleep deprived for the better part of three days, one of which she spent in a tangle of thorns. Her eyes were a little dark and her hair didn't wave about as energetically as it normally did, but she was far from looking exhausted or unwell. She took another gulp of her coffee as she stared blankly at Twilight, then her eyes flicked over to Wayfarer and she smiled when she saw him looking back. She tipped the mug to the side and raised an eyebrow.

"Wasn't feeling like tea this morning," she said. "This instant stuff isn't too bad, want a cup?"

"Sure," Wayfarer said, moving to get up before Celestia waved a hoof at him.

"Don't move," she said, sparking her horn. "I'll get it."

A coffee pot, a spare mug, and a couple containers of cream and sugar flew out of the kitchen. Celestia fluidly maneuvered everything around as she filled the mug, as well as topping off her own, then added carefully measured amounts of cream and sugar. One generous magic stir later and both mugs were being placed in the hooves of either pony. Everything else was sent back to the kitchen as Wayfarer gripped tightly onto the handle of the mug.

"Thank you," he said, giving Celestia a smile that she returned in kind.

"You're welcome," Celestia responded as she dispatched the magic around Wayfarer's mug. Wayfarer's foreleg tingled as some of the residual magic brushed gently over the back of his hoof. Wayfarer shuddered slightly at the touch, like electricity had briefly coursed up the limb. He looked over at Celestia, who merely smiled, slightly wider than before.

"Ughh!" Twilight groaned loudly as all the books she was carrying were dropped unceremoniously to the floor, barely missing Spike as he dodged aside. "Nothing! Not even a mention of the Tree of Harmony! Oh why didn't I visit the royal archives when we were in Canterlot?"

"Because we were too busy playing a game called 'Politics.'" Celestia said calmly, before softly blowing over the opening of her mug and sending steam billowing away.

"It was a waste of time!" Twilight grumbled as she started re-shelving books at random. "All they wanted to know was how I planned to 'modernize' Ponyville, or if I had plans to move back to Canterlot after the Everfree Forest attacked! I've only been a princess for a few months and already I feel like I'm being taken advantage of!"

Wayfarer saw the sides of Celestia's mouth twitch, but pretended he didn't notice and just sipped from his coffee.

"It's like Luna said the other day," Celestia said. "You can gain a lot of political favor if you play their game well. Don't let them take advantage of you, you need to take advantage of them."

Twilight grimaced as her eyes narrowed in thought. "That... doesn't sound very princess like."

"I know Twilight," Celestia nodded emphatically. "But you'd be surprised how much good I've done by coercing ponies with pockets too deep for their own good into putting their bits to something worthwhile."

"You'll figure it out Twi," Wayfarer said. "You just need a good poker face is all." Twilight made a very disgruntled looking face, her mouth quivered slightly and her eyes twitched. Wayfarer gave a nervous laugh. "Needs work, you might want to ask Derpy or Time Turner for tips."

Twilight gave another groan before sitting down on the floor. "In any case," she said. "The books I need aren't here. They might not even be in Canterlot now that I think about it."

Celestia tapped a hoof against her chin, her eyes lighting up in thought. "Well," she murmured as an idea came to her. "I may know a place where you might find such a book."

"You do?" Twilight said, hopping up and darting over to Celestia. "Where?"

"I"d rather not say, Twilight," Celestia responded. "Not at the moment anyway. You've deserved a break, we all have. Try to relax for a bit."

"But Equestria might still be in danger! I can't relax while those hooded ponies are still out there doing something nefarious! What if that chest holds the answers?"

"Then it will reveal them to us when the time is right." Celestia said confidently before she took another swig of her coffee and let Twilight stew in her impatient fury.

"Ffffffine," Twilight sighed, turning to the door. "C'mon Spike."

"Where are we going?" Spike asked as he finished putting a few more books back and leapt from the top of the latter he was using.

"We're going to go relax," Twilight said, pushing the front door wide with a bit more force than necessary. "At the bookstore."

Spike groaned, but diligently followed after her. Celestia and Wayfarer watched the two of them with bemusement as they walked out, Spike slamming the door shut with an equal amount of frustration that Twilight used to open it. Celestia smiled, but shook her head as she went back to nursing her cup.

"So," she asked. "What were you planning on doing today?"

"Well," Wayfarer started, smirking at Celestia. "I was thinking we could go bowling."

"We?" Celestia asked with a confused smile. "Is that the royal 'We,' or are you inviting me along as well?"

"I mean, yeah, if you wanted to," Wayfarer averted his eyes and took a big swig of his own coffee. When he looked back to Celestia, her smile had gotten even bigger and her hair had started moving with its regular zeal. "I'll take that as a yes?"

~~~~~

The bowling alley, while not the most luxurious of places, was actually a step above what Wayfarer was expecting. He was honestly surprised in general that Ponyville even had a bowling alley in the first place. But then again, establishments just seemed to pop up in this town whenever they were needed.

The inside of the building smelled of wax, both from the glossy lanes and the glassy looking bowling balls lining the back wall. The frequent sound of ten pound spheres and pins clattering against each other echoed around the open space, usually accompanied by the cheers or groans of the other patrons.

Celestia in particular had a tendency to whoop and holler loudly, especially after the first five rounds when she finally got the hang of the game. At first, she had awkwardly flung the balls down the lane, but after careful observation it didn't take long before she was striking every round, much to Wayfarer's mortification.

"Now I know where Twilight learned to master everything she tried so easily," he grumbled after her first bagger.

"Oh don't be so upset," Celestia said as she sat down next to Wayfarer and waited for him to stand and go next. "You're doing just as well as I am!"

"Four strikes in a row is worth more than four strikes apart," Wayfarer sighed as he stepped up to the lane. Celestia quickly grabbed their score sheet and did some quick math in her head before her mouth formed an O.

They continued to play for a few hours, Celestia earning a perfect game on the third time around. The resulting mob around the two by their fellow bowlers was a sign that it was probably time to leave. The alley's owners insisted on a few photos and for "Sunny Skies'" name to hang on a "Wall of Champions," which Celestia agreed to with a bit of embarrassment, before they finally extracted themselves from the building.

"I hope my sister finds that photo one day," Celestia said with a giggle. "She'll be mortified."

"Celestia of Equestria," Wayfarer mumbled good naturedly. "Princess of Bowling."

Celestia nearly lost all composure as her fit of giggles turned into uproarious laughter. A few ponies around them turned to look incredulously in their direction before rolling their eyes and continuing on their way.

"Oh... Oh Ancestors!" Celestia gasped. "The court of nobility would have a stroke if they saw me bowling!"

Wayfarer, suddenly overcome with a desire to let this silliness continue, took up a very posh stance, lifting his nose into the air and pouting.

"Your Majesty!" Wayfarer declared. "How dare you associate with lowly common folk in such a base and dishonorable sport like bowling!" Celestia had to actually stop walking and shoved a hoof in her mouth to try and stop her laughter. "Their obsession with giant heavy balls is unbecoming of a princess, who is so far above the rest of us! Please, let me grovel a bit more and then complain at the same time!"

Celestia was actually crying at this point. Wayfarer soon joined her in her mirth, their shouts causing other ponies to stop and look on in bewilderment. When at last they calmed down, Celestia looked around and blushed as she realized how obnoxious she and Wayfarer were being. Shaking her head and giving one last giggle, she looked to Wayfarer and gave a smile.

"I miss being able to do this," she said with an air of nostalgia. "Just being able to walk about among my subjects. Talking with them, getting to know them, laughing with them." She looked away, still smiling. "But if I spend all my time like this, I couldn't possibly give Equestria the focus it needs. I need to work for the many, and not just interact with the few."

"Nothing stopping you from doing both," Wayfarer pointed out. "It doesn't have to be an extended vacation, but a few days out of every month to come down and rebel against what Canterlot expects of you, that doesn't sound like to much to ask."

"You don't know them like I do," Celestia said. Sighing, she looked back at Wayfarer, her smile turning a bit more mischievous. "Still, I'll relish this chance to 'rebel' while I have the chance, just as long as you rebel with me."

"I don't have anyone to rebel against," Wayfarer smirked. "But sure, I'd gladly be your partner in crimes against nobility."

"Hmm, I thought you'd say that."

Author's Notes:

I know it's been a while, but I ment what I said before. I believe in this story, so no matter how long it takes, I will get through it.

You'll also note the "Social Link" picture at the end. I plan on drawing up pictures like this for athe rest of the chapters, both past in present.

Finally, I've sort of lost contact with my usual editor. If anyone would be willing to take his place, that'd be awesome.