“Lady Espirit of Torrential,” the announcer called as the zebra stepped out into the main hall. She smiled and bowed politely. To her delight, her robes were more than extravagant for the party, as nearly everypony was wearing beautiful white robes. Not that she was surprised, the conjurers were very prominent in the capital and garnered a lot of attention, who wouldn't want to dress like them?

She smiled nervously towards the crowd and began to feel uneasy. What if she was over dressed? Her robes were a bit bright and colorful, though still made for battle. Her nervousness began to spread through her, coating her body and making her knees feel weak. She forced the smile to not waiver as she walked towards them, though she stuck to the edges of the party this time.

It didn't help much, though. A new horror dawned on her once she was approached by a couple. She knew these ponies. Many of them she knew by name and had even talked to on occasion, although not very closely. As they talked to her she couldn't help shaking feelings of more unease and discomfort. Many of these ponies were the same ones she had heard talk behind her back, question if she would be a good ruler once her father passed away. Could she even be a conjurer? Now they congratulated her on her heroic deeds of helping defeat Celestia and saving the world.

She smiled and nodded none the less, pretending to not recognize any of them and just going along with the names, though it made her head hurt. It wasn't long before she couldn't remember who she knew but wasn't supposed to know, who she didn't know but was supposed to know and who she knew and was now supposed to know. The world felt as if it was starting to spin around her and she couldn't stop it, no matter how she tried.

“Are you okay?” a voice asked, shaking her from her bleak thoughts. She looked up to see Silverwing.

“W-what? Yeah, I'm fine. Just... not feeling very good.”

“Really? What's wrong?”

“I just feel kind of nauseous and uncomfortable,” she mumbled. “I think it might have been something I ate.”

“I see,” the negasi said before walking besides her and putting a wing over her back. “Come on, how about we head out and get a bit of fresh air?”

“P-please,” Espirit mumbled before following the mare outside. There were more ponies out here, but less than inside. She walked to a nearby tree and leaned against it, taking a deep breath and letting the cool night air flow over her. She felt a little better, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease and nauseousness. “Do you think we're in danger here?”

“What?” the negasi asked, her eyes widening.

“Do you think we're in danger? You talked to the king, right? He asked me a bunch of questions. Do you think we're in danger from them? That he doesn't trust us?”

“No. Why would he?”

“I don't know. I just... don't feel like they do,” Espirit mumbled and shook her head. “I can't help but feel like something is wrong.” She knew something was wrong, though. She was wrong. As far as anypony knew, she was still and prince and Espirit was just another adventurer. “I want to go into the town.”

“What? But what about the king? He's thrown us this wonderful celebration.”

“I know, but I just don't feel... right here. Around them. I don't know why, I'm sorry...”

Silverwing gently reached out to pat her head. “It's okay. I find them a bit stuffy too. If you want to go down to the town, I'll come with you. Okay?”

“I can go alone,” she muttered.

“Nonsense. What if something happened?”

Espirit sighed but gave a nod. “Fine. Are you going to go tell them we're going?”

The negasi nodded and trotted off. For a few moments the zebra considered just walking off and going without her, but quickly abandoned the idea rather than upsetting the mare. She sighed and sat down and leaned back against the wall. Even the magic flowing through the world didn't feel as good any more as the stress flowed through her. She wondered for a moment if it was possible for it to block up inside a pony like it could the world. She chuckled at the idea of little elementals popping out of ponies. They wouldn't be very strong, at least.

When the negasi finally stepped out from the building the zebra gently hopped in place. “Soooo, we can go, right?”

“Yes, we can go,” Silverwing said.

Espirit didn't wait and started lightly trotting towards the town. She'd never actually been in it without a large escort, she couldn't wait to see. She struggled to avoid running off ahead, glancing back to Silverwing every few steps. “Come oooooon! How can somepony so fast be so slowwwww?”

The negasi snickered. “Excited? Have you never been here before?”

“Not in a very, very long time and I didn't really get a chance to enjoy it then,” the mare grumbled. She gasped when the main city came into view. Earlier in the day the houses looked normal, without any decorations in place. But in the hours since they'd passed over, the place had been transformed. Glowing lanterns dangled from every roof top, streamers were strung across the streets. Ponyquins were set up by the buildings, dressed like her and her friends. It was a marvelous sight and all she could do to avoid running through the streets giggling like a filly. The ponies must have busted their backs trying to get all these decorations out in the short time they had and they'd done it for them. Every light, every model, every single stand made in their honor.

“It's them!” a voice suddenly called out. Espirit barely had a chance to prepare herself before she was swarmed by ponies from all sides. She eeped and took a step back, grinning nervously.

“H-hello!” she called out, waving a hoof. “Citizens of Canterlot, it is great to be here! We are very thankful that you have gone to such lengths to honor us and it truly warms our hearts! Thank you!” There was a cheer and a moment after that she couldn't even get a word in as the ponies begged her for autographs, attention and anything else they could get.

------

Espirit groaned as she sat at one of the stands, her head laying against the counter top, exhaustion spilling over her. “I-is every place we go to going to be like this?”

“I-I thought t-these ponies were supposed to be calmer,” Silverwing groaned back, her wing cramped slightly from the number of times she'd had to write her name. “W-what happened to the calmness of conjurers?”

“I-I think it flew away on one of those flying lanterns,” the zebra groaned. They'd finally managed to get the swarm to break around them, though they were extremely exhausted and it was all they could do to crawl to one of the food stands and sit down in one of the chairs.

“So, what would you two like?” the pegasus working the stand asked, a smile on his lips.

“Something cold, please,” Espirit asked, slowly lifting her head with a cringe. “And full of energy.”

“Same for me,” Silverwing echoed, groaning.

“I have just the thing,” the stallion said before disappearing behind the counter and coming back a moment later with two red and white mixed drinks, topped with whipped cream and a strawberry. “A strawberry up and at 'em. Made of the finest fruits, ice creams and a few secret spices to help give you that kick you need.”

Espirit nodded and took the drink, trying to suck it through the straw. It refused to move. That stallion chuckled and held out a spoon. “Sorry, it can be a bit thick.”

“I noticed,” she mumbled before dipping it in and taking a bite. Her mouth exploded and she nearly fell out of the chair. “I-it's amazing!” she shrieked, her eyes wide. “Marvelous! H-how, why--”

“How did you make this?” Silverwing asked, starring at hers as well. Her wings had pomfed on their own from the taste. “It's so... so...”

“I told you, the finest fruits,” the stallion said with a nod. “Home of the conjurers, after all. Best foods you'll find anywhere.”

Espirit nodded, staring at the drink before digging into it. Every bite made the delicious drink coat her mouth in delectable sweetness. It was smooth and creamy, making her entire mouth feel soft as silk. She slowly put a hoof up to her mouth and gasped. “I-it's so.... so amazing...” she whispered. “H-how much do we owe you? I-I'll take a second.”

“Me too!” Silverwing said, before lightly belching into her hoof. “Sorry.”

“For heroes like you two? Free of charge!” the stallion said happily.

Espirit grinned and took another bite of hers, rubbing her cheek. She'd forgotten how good the food here tasted. Cloudsdale might have the clouds, but by the stars Canterlot had the food. She let out another content sigh as she quickly finished hers and moved onto the second.

After a few moments the mare felt refreshed again, her energy restored. While she was sure it was likely that the moment of rest had done more for her, she decided to attribute it to the drinks. “Thank you so much!” she said before hopping down from her seat.

“A pleasure!” the stand owner said before waving them bye.

“Okay, now let's go play some games,” Espirit said as she walked, her eyes scanning all the stands and shops. “I wonder what kind they have.”

“Probably all kinds,” Silverwing said with a chuckle. “Wanna dunk a pony?”

“Dunk a--” Espirit gasped as her eyes fell on it. A giant bowl of water with a pony suspended over it. She squeaked as her eyes fell on the little target besides it. She'd never wanted to hit something so hard in her life. “C-can I? I wanna dunk the pony!”

Silverwing chuckled. “Oh? It has nothing to do with the fact the stallion inside is kind of cute?”

Espirit took another look and realized the pony inside was a bit... attractive. For a zebra. It helped that he'd been dunked already and so his coat and mane were sticking to his rather toned body and-- “L-let's play something else!” she squeaked, her voice going as high pitched as it could.

“Now now, it's okay,” the mare said with a shake of her head. “You're at that age where you really notice ponies like--”

“I do not notice anypony!” the zebra said quickly, certain her face was going to burst into flame. “C-can we talk about something else? ANYTHING else? Please?”

The pony chuckled and gave a nod. “Fine. But I want to toss the ball, so we're doing this first.”

Espirit grumbled and trotted behind the mare. She couldn't help but notice just how many mares were waiting in line for this particular attraction. Some of the mares she couldn't deny were pretty cute as well. It wasn't the only dunking game either. She could see a few with pretty mares and others with cute stallions. If her father knew she was here playing such games he'd throw a fit. Probably have grounded her for a year and shut them down in a second. He never could stand ponies having fun.

For some reason, the thought of that made her grin and she couldn't help joining in the fun. When it came her time throw the ball, she licked her lips and readied herself, before hurtling it with all her might. It missed by a mile, sailing clear over it. “Errr, okay, I've got this.” She had two more tries. She let up and didn't throw it quite so hard. It sailed through the air and dropped under the target. “I've got this!” she said again, before gripping her last ball. She chucked it once again.

The ball sailed through the air and hit the casing itself. “Ack! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I-I meant to hit the target!”

Silverwing chuckled and gently pulled the mare back with a wing. “Relax, it's fine. Now, my turn.” She readied her ball and threw it. The first one sailed over it, barely missing. The second hit with ease, making the zebra let out a shriek before he plummeted into the water. There was a cheer from the crowd which... slowly faded as they watched the zebra crawl his way back out, muscles flexing and coat dripping wet.

Espirit shrieked and turned red. “Come on, let's go!”

“Awww, but this is the best part,” Silverwing said before lightly chuckling and following after the mare to their next game. A simple fill up the balloon game.

After trying a few of the games the zebra glanced back towards the castle. She just couldn't shake it. That feeling of dread and worry just refused to let her go no matter how she tried. And try she did. She could forget about it for a few moments when she ate snacks or played games, but it was still there. Always nagging and poking at her like a dull ache that just refused to go away.

“Is something wrong?” Silverwing asked after a while.

“No, I just... I think I'm getting tired,” Espirit lied before faking a yawn. “Do you think we can head back?”

“Of course,” the negasi said before gently guiding the mare back towards the castle. “Did you have fun?”

“Yeah, I had a lot. I just...” the words trailed off as a light went off in her head. Of course, THAT'S why everything felt so off! “Do you think Steelhorn is up? I want to talk with her.”

“I'd imagine so. I doubt they've gone to bed, yet. Ganry is always one to enjoy a party, after all. Even a stuffy one.”

“I doubt he'd get much chance to make a scene, d--” She caught herself in time, coughing into her hoof. “Dirty songs like the ones he sings don't go over well with conjurers. The king would probably have him tossed in the dungeon.”

The negasi snickered. “Not all of his songs are dirty. Just what ones have you been hearing him sing?”

“He serenades Steelhorn alllll the time. I swear, since I've been in there they get raunchier every night.”

“Well, it's hard to really enjoy each other's company with a third party in the room.”

“What?”

“Nothing. How about we go see them?”

Espirit nodded and together they walked up towards the castle. Ponies still called out to them and asked to sign autographs, but at least they were no longer being swarmed. The guards moved aside and let them in. The party was still going, though there was no sign of Ganry or Steelhorn. Most of the nobles had retired as well. “Do you think they went to their room?” the zebra asked with a smile.

“Possibly, how about we go see?”

Espirit nodded and together they trotted through the halls. “Have you been here before?” Silverwing asked.

“W-what? No! Why would I?”

“You seem to know your way quite well. You haven't gotten lost once,” the negasi said softly.

“It's very common architecture,” Espirit said quickly. “It's all based on being connected with nature, you see? The main sleeping quarters are positioned so the aether in the land flows directly towards them, moving easily through the building as if they were streams. It's supposed to help the ponies sleep better.”

“Really? I wasn't aware of that. Does it work?”

“Not in the slightest, aether doesn't work that way. But a lot of ponies think it does so they tend to like it. Most the buildings around here are built in a similar manner. In this country.”

“That's quite fascinating.”

Espirit nodded and stopped as they stepped into the guest hall. “I... don't actually know which room they're in.”

Silverwing chuckled and stepped forward, trotting to a room a few down from Espirit's. She then knocked on the door.

“Go away!” Ganry yelled from inside.

“It's us!” Espirit called back.

“Go away! We're... reading!” Steelhorn echoed.

Silverwing stared for a moment before her cheeks went bright red. “W-we'll be in Espirit's room, come see us when you're done!” She quickly grabbed Espirit by the collar and dragged her off.

“What? What's wrong?” the zebra asked, confusion on her face.

“Nothing, they're just busy. We can wait in your room.”

“But they can just put the book down and--”

“They're busy, come on.” Silverwing pushed open her door and dragged the mare inside, before sitting down on the nice carpet. “Soooo, are you enjoying your time here so far?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I just... I just really want to talk with Steelhorn,” she muttered softly. “It's... personal.”

“You can talk with me.”

“I... I'd rather not,” Espirit mumbled and poked her hooves together. “Steelhorn's... closer to my age and... understands better.”

The negasi's eyes narrowed. “Just how old do you think I am?”

“So what kind of books do you like to read?” Espirit asked quickly, her eyes turning towards the window. “I like to read adventure ones, you know? The type with the heroes and the ponies who save the world.”

Silverwing sighed. “Don't try to change the sub... wait, what?” The negasi raised an eyebrow. “Please, tell me more. You read those often?”

“I used to before I came on these adventures. I still do a bit of reading, but I don't have nearly as much time as I used to. But I don't mind! Now I get to live them! I don't just hear about these heroes, now I get to be a hero!”

“Growing up, is that what you wanted to be? A hero?”

The zebra nodded and gave a little blush. “Y-yeah. I used to read books like that all the time. The stories of Twilight and the others. Their adventures, the ponies they saved, the world. Everything. It was just so... amazing. I never dreamed I'd be able to actually do it.”

Silverwing smiled knowingly before reaching out to put a hoof on the young zebra's head. “So this is all a dream come true for you then, isn't it? Knowing how many ponies are cheering you on and defeating Celestia? The kind of thing you wanted to do your whole life?”

Espirit blushed and looked down. “R-right, sorry. I just... it feels so great, you know? Actually doing all this. I feel like I'm really making a difference now. I wasn't before.”

“Do you remember your life before you met us? Before all these changes? You shouldn't let those memories fade, you know. It's important to remember where you came from.”

“Of course!” the zebra said quickly. “I just... I don't like to think about it. There were... things weren't always the best with my family.” She sighed. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Very well. How has your training been coming along?”

“Great! I've learned so many new spells. Did Clearpond tell you about that offensive ability she taught me? She calls it cleric's stance. It's sooooo awesome and I really feel like I can do a lot with it, though it's a little shocking trying to go back to normal after sending out so much magic at once. Why do you ask?”

“I'm just curious. I think you have a lot of potential, like Swipes. Well, not quite like Swipes.”

“True, I have a much better attitude,” Espirit said with a chuckle. “I didn't know you cared that much, though. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll try to learn some of your little special thingies with the knives and stuff.”

The mare chuckled. “I'm afraid you'd have a great deal of difficulty, as a zebra. Swipe's claws make him a natural, though I do often wish he'd focus a little harder. Have you been enjoying studying under Clearpond?”

“Oh, of course! She's an amazing teacher! I never thought I'd be able to work under a white mage before. I can't believe she took notice of me of all ponies.” She grinned. “Don't tell her I said this, but who knows? Maybe one day I can become a white mage too.”

The negasi went silent for a moment before nodding. “Well, of course. You're... quite young, after all. There aren't many conjurers of your age willing to face such dangers. She's probably very hopeful that you'll have quite the future ahead of you. Perhaps you're right and she'll raise you to be a white mage one day, possibly.”

Espirit gasped. “Y-you really think I could be a white mage? I-I'm not just... being too hopeful?”

The negasi took a deep breath before shaking her head. “No, not really. I'm sorry. But that doesn't mean I'm right. I'm sure whatever you do, you will become the hero you want to be.” She patted her head. “So long as you keep trying and never let yourself become corrupted or tainted.”

The zebra sighed before letting out a soft giggle. “Well, I'll just have to prove you wrong. Besides, I doubt I'd ever--” There was a light knocking on the door. “Steelhorn?”

“Yes, it's me. We're... done. What did you need?” The door swung open and revealed the changeling. She looked a little annoyed. Rather, very very annoyed and disheveled.

“I'll leave you two alone to speak. Good luck,” Silverwing said before trotting out.

The changeling closed the door behind herself before looking to Espirit. “Okay, what is it?”

The mare coughed and poked her hooves against the ground. “I uhhh... I need to... errr... the thing is... well...”

“Yes?”

“I uhhh... I've been... errrrr...”

“Spit it out! I had to give up quite a bit to be here, you know. You have any idea how little alone time Ganry and I have been getting? Even in Cloudsdale we couldn't get a single night together,” the changeling said, her eyes narrowed on the zebra.

“I-I think somethings wrong with my change! I-I've been checking out stallions and I don't even like stallions!” the zebra squeaked, her face turning bright red.

The changeling stood there, her eyes wide. After a few moments she burst into laughter, though she quickly cut it off when she saw the hurt look on her friend's face. She sighed and turned into a zebra before trotting over and sitting on the bed, gently patting the spot besides her. “Come on, Espirit. I think it's time we had a talk.”

The younger zebra didn't object and slid into bed besides the mare. “Yes?”

“You're a growing mare. You--”

“I already know all this.”

“No, you really don't,” Steelhorn said before shifting into a pegasus and reaching out to put a wing over her. “You're young, everything is going to get very, very confusing. That is what I'd say if you were still a colt, but you're not. In the middle of one of the... most confusing times for a young pony, you've undergone a radical change. Fantasia. You're now a mare. Everything about you, physically, has changed. Your mind, your body. Sometimes that can include what you're attracted to.”

Espirit shivered. “W-wait, so you mean I have to like stallions now?”

“No, not necessarily. Just because you like to look doesn't mean you have to like everything about it. Do you still like mares, too?”

The zebra nodded slowly.

“Then there you go. But here's the thing,” Steelhorn said softly before reaching out to gently place a hoof on the young mare's chin and tilt it up. “You're young and learning. Don't be afraid of how you feel. No pony but you has any control over it. If you like mares, that's fine. If you like stallions, that's fine too. Heck, if you like centaurs, you can.”

Espirit made a gagging noise. “Ew ew ewwwww. Centaurs are evil though!”

“So? Not all of them are. And that's my point, dear. You're free to like whatever you like, want whatever you want. There is nothing wrong with you.”

“B-but I don't want to like stallions!”

Steelhorn chuckled. “There's nothing wrong if you do or don't. Just dear, don't try to fight it or hate yourself for it. I'm not saying you have to go make out with one or date one. But don't suppress it. The more you try to fight it, the harder it will be. But finding a few stallions cute is nothing to be worried about. Especially now. You're adapting to all these new feelings that you've never had before. Sometimes you're going to like the thoughts you get, other times you won't. Everypony goes through a stage like this. Okay?”

Espirit nodded softly and then closed her head. “I don't like this though. Why does it have to all be so hard?”

“Puberty is a difficult thing. Most ponies are lucky to not have their gender swapped in the middle of it,” Steelhorn smiled. “Though I've known a few who had theirs swapped before it happened and they seemed more than happy.”

Espirit chuckled. “Do you ever feel like it? Different?”

“Changelings don't have genders in the same way that ponies do,” Steelhorn said with a chuckle. “I think we've talked about this before, too.” she leaned down and gave a kiss on the forehead to the mare. “If I want to be a female, I can be. A male, I can be. Something in between, it's as easy as a thought. Now, about my sexuality... that tends to be a very strange sense of discovery for a changeling. I think I'll explain it to you sometime, but not tonight. I think it's time you get some sleep.”

Espirit sighed. “But I'm not even tired, I--” She paused and then frowned. Actually, she was tired. The aether didn't feel nearly as good and energetic as it had before. Was she adapting already? “I'll get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow?”

“Of course. I'll let Silverwing know she can come back now.”

“Thanks,” Espirit mumbled before gently pulling away from the pegasus. She watched the mare go and, to her delight, enjoyed watching her go. At least there was one thing she felt certain about.

Steelhorn was nearly hit by the door as it slammed open. “Espirit, Steelhorn!” Silverwing called out, her eyes wide and horrified. “Crystalopolis has fallen. Cadence has arisen!”