When in route to Canterlot, Twilight had a tried and true regimen she would adhere to. Most of it involved rehearsing her responses to questions Celestia would ask upon every visit to the castle, refreshing on the manner of speech that was appropriate for the capital city, and checking, double-checking, and triple-double-checking, that she had everything she would need to dutifully inform the princess of her findings and adventures. Friendship letters were nice and all, but when you were to meet with Princess Celestia, she wanted to hear a story or two… or four.

This time around, the unicorn’s routine had an added task: Don’t let that filly out of your sight.

Apple Bloom didn’t make this very difficult. It helped she didn’t have her two friends to haggle her into getting mixed up in some kind of trouble; her boundless anticipation also kept her glued to the window of the train car they were in. As the train began to ascend the winding bridge that would bring them to Canterlot, Apple Bloom squealed with excitement.

“We almost there, Twi?” She practically squealed.

“Almost, Apple Bloom.” Twilight couldn’t help but smile at the unfettered anticipation before her. It reminded her of her own fillyhood in Canterlot; the almost agonizing anticipation for another day of mentoring by Her Highness.

Which reminded the unicorn of something.

“Now Apple Bloom,” Twilight asked with a cautious tone. “Remember what I said about conducting yourself?”

“Uh…” Apple Bloom struggled to part the clouds of excitement abound in her mind to find what she was after.

“Always say ‘Please an’ Thank you’, an’ call Princess Celesita ‘yer majesty’?”

Twilight had to admit, she was impressed Apple Bloom remembered that part of the instruction. Alas, that wasn’t quite what she was looking for.

“That too, but more importantly, don’t leave my sight. Canterlot is a very big city, it’s easy to get lost. We have quite a bit to get done today, I’m going to need your help.”

“Yes ma’m!” Apple Bloom answered. “Ah gotta stay by yer side at all times!”

“Well, not quite all the time.” Twilight smirked, “We can spend some time sightseeing after our visit with Celestia. There’s numerous things we can check out if you want.”

“Can we?” Apple Bloom asked with puppy-dog eyes, “There’s so much Ah’ve read about and wanna see!”

“Read about, huh?” Twilight inquired.

“Yeah! Spike was showin’ me some of those traveln’ books you got, an’ it talked about all sorts of museums, really fancy restaurants, even a Wonderbolts show!”

“I’m not too certain we’ll be able to do everything you’ve read about, but we can try to do some of that, okay?”

“Yay!” Apple Bloom beamed, turning her attention back to the window.

Twilight’s intention of course, was to go to the Canterlot Archives to get her muzzle into some more reading material; but a courtesy visit to Her Majesty wasn’t totally out of the question either. This endeavour also had the bonus of preoccupying Apple Bloom with something that was as far away from home as she could practically get.

The train finally ascended the winding tracks to the entrance to Canterlot proper, and soon after, to the station itself. Twilight and Apple Bloom both taking some time to stretch their hooves after getting on the platform.

“I suppose we ought to grab a bite to eat first,” Twilight began, “Can’t study on an empty stomach.”

As Twilight scoured the signage and advertisements searching for something delectable, Apple Bloom took in everything her sensory permitted. The sights and sounds of the bustling capital were almost too much to take in; from the bustling crowds, towering, majestic architecture; the grandeur of the city's composure alone was enough to make her head spin.

“This way, Apple Bloom.” Twilight called the filly who had stopped to gaze in awe of an unfurled banner depicting the Wonderbolts. The art style and general aesthetic was arresting.

“Scootaloo would love this place!” Apple Bloom commented as she rejoined her caregiver, who now seemed to hone in on an eatery of choice.

“The Imperial Kitchen?” Apple Bloom read the sign aloud as they entered the decent-sized restaurant.

“Yup,” Twilight smiled, “I used to come here with my parents often as a filly; they have the best pasta this side of the Everfree Forest.” A nostalgic tone was clear in her voice as the two found a windowed booth seat, giving them a midway vantage of Northern Canterlot, which included the base of Canterlot Castle. Twilight eased into her seat, taking her sights to the window as she gazed out into the distance, her minds eye painting a picture of blissful days from her youth.

Apple Bloom on the other hoof, was once again enamored in sight and sound. Even in this modest establishment, there was plenty of excitement for the senses. The victorian, artisanal decorum, the faint ensemble music which floated through the room, the soft glow of the wall candles which unevenly illuminated the tables and fellow patrons; Her audiovisual intake was halted however, when the menus and iced waters arrived, courtesy of a well-groomed white stallion with a royal blue mane and the suave dialect of a upper-class gentlecolt.

Provided this was a regular ‘middle-class’ diner, Apple Bloom wouldn’t have much trouble with the verbiage and euphemisms for the dishes and drinks offered, but this menu read like something out of classical literature. Almost all the titles had accents or diacritics that left her dumbfounded. The drinks were even worse.

“Need some help?” Twilight could see the filly furrow her brow, bring a hoof to her chin as her eyes scanned the sheet. It was cute for a few minutes, but the expedient service of this place made the filly’s indecision a bit of an issue.

“I can’t make heads or tails of all this fancy speak!” Apple Bloom seemed frustrated, in a cute way of course.

Suppressing her laughter proved difficult, but Twilight managed as she helped her ward discern the formalities and format to hone down what it was she wanted.

“Fetta Maccare” for Apple Bloom, and fettuccine alfredo for Twilight, well dressed with parmesan, an ambiguous blend of herbs, and some light breading for texture. The filly and the unicorn enjoyed their meal; the calm setting and classical atmosphere calming their nerves.

The same could not be said for a royal messenger, who galloped frantically down the cobblestone roads to Canterlot Castle. Coming in from the north, an urgent bulletin besetting his mundane daily routine, and as he briskly, wordlessly pushed, butted, and in some instances, collided with pedestrians and loiters without so much as an apology, it was clear his formalities were beset as well; the timely reception of the message he carried of utmost importance.

Said messenger soon was cruising down the halls of the castle, destination clear as ever; sending the imposing gold-trimmed doors that were in courtesy to civility, were to be opened slowly and diligently, were instead burst open.

Celestia, who was seemingly in the midst of conversation with her sister, Luna, startled to attention, anticipation immediate.

“Your Majesty, we have distress from Lady Alexandra, the keeper of the Archives!” The messenger summoned his note from his sash; with the parcel enveloped in a blue aura, levitated before the eyes of both princesses. “It appears that someone has made off with the Forbidden Tomes. No trace of entry, not a single mark of intrusion, your Majesty.”

“Thank you for your deliverance, Sir. Murrow,” Celestia replied to the still panting messenger. “Do you have any word on the efforts to secure the archives?”

“I do not, your highness. I’ll inform the guard of your inquiry.”

“Very well, then.” Celestia smiled, the messenger bowing once more before making his exit, this time, with a lack of alarm. As the doors once again closed however, it was clear that the news was anything but trivial.

“I thought we had had those destroyed!” Luna seemed alarmed, her face very much reflective of this.

“That was my assumption as well, dear sister.” Celestia walked to one of the many stained glass windows, affording a view from one of the transparent segments at eye level. “It appears however, that someone has ventured into records of… that era. Somehow, someway, word of it still lingers among our subjects.”

“Who do you suppose is behind this? Discord?” Luna joined her sister's side.

“I would not think he would be foolish enough to bring about the disorder that would arise if such record was made public. If it were, all reverence, all respect towards our throne would be eviscerated; Equestria would fall into nothing short of ruthless anarchy.”

Celestia, followed by Luna, now made their way into the halls themselves, their radiant manes incrementally brought to brilliance by the passing of the slender, pillared windows that lined this corridor.

“Regardless, I would like for you to go to him with inquiry regarding this matter. If he is indeed implicated to some effect, I will be sure he regrets such a transgression. We mustn't let these damming accords reach the Elements of Harmony! They are our last line of defense in the case that this saboteur endeavours upon treason.”

“It shall be done, dear sister.” WIthout further word or accompaniment, Luna forged to the opposite end of the hall, its door nearest an exit to the outside.

Celestia’s course eventually brought her to an exterior balcony overlooking the southern urban expanse of Canterlot, with an unobstructed vista of southern Equestria behind and beneath it.

‘I pray with every fiber of my being that she is not privy of it.’ Celestia thought to herself, fully aware that her dearest student was within the capital, wishing to speak with her on a matter she was as of yet uninitiated.

Apple Bloom hurt following her splurge, most predominantly, her stomach ached with unmistakable inflation. She and Twilight both, the later fueled by euphoric acclaim and nostalgia for the cuisine and the caterers, permitted them both to dine without regard to their usual mannerisms.

“Note to self,” Twilight groaned as she and Apple Bloom once again embarked for the castle, their latest course involving a gradual, yet measured incline, “Your eyes are always bigger than your stomach, wearing rose tinted glasses, or not.”

“You weren’t wearin’ any rose-tinted glasses, Twi.” Apple Bloom attempted correction.

“It’s a figure of speech, Apple Bloom.” Twilight clarified, “Rose-tinted means to have a very optimistic or nostalgic perception of something… in this case, to the point of delusion.” Her studious face quickly flushed red with embarrassment as a hearty belch followed her explanation.

“Oh.” Apple Bloom said between fits of snickering, “That another fancy sayin’ Ah should know about?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Twilight smiled, remembering their destination. “We’re just going to have a nice chat, perhaps some tea; it’s nothing formal or official.”

“Then why do Ah hafta memorize all these weird words an’ ways?” Apple Bloom protested.

“When you visit someone, especially of royalty, it is important that you be a proper guest. You follow their rules, respect their formalities, and honor their hospitality. One way of accomplishing this, is to brush up on proper mannerisms. Despite being raised in it, I found I was a bit rusty myself. You won’t be the only one to gaffe, I’m certain.”

“Right…” Apple Bloom wasn’t too sure she caught most of it, but didn’t seem to care. “Ah guess that makes sense.”

“Excellent, because we’re here.” Twilight and the filly entered single file as the guards parted from their impedance of the doors to the Castle grounds. Following a pass through the gardens, a decent course through halls, stairs, and bridges, the two finally made their way to the room in which Celestia was to be waiting. Sure enough, the present guards opened the door which greeted the pair with a view of the princess sitting on the opposite of an opulent table, two seats awaiting them.

“Twilight, so good to see you again.” Celestia greeted, turning to the tremoring filly who upon sight of this focus, lurched into a bow, acting on impulse to satisfy the customs she was raised with.

“No need for formalities, little one.” Celestia stifled a chuckle. “You’re as much a friend as Twilight Sparkle is, please do have a seat.”

“Cool!—Ah mean, uh, thanks.” Apple Bloom wasn’t any less stiff finding the cushion and sitting on her haunches, amusing the two elder mares.

Silence held for a few while tea was poured and distributed, the two elders taking a dainty sip, Apple Bloom not daring to partake, fear of spilling a primary concern.

“So,” Celestia began, a warm voice, “What brings you and the young one?”

“Nothing special.” Twilight replied casually, “Apple Bloom here wanted to do some sightseeing—it’s her first time visiting here outside of occasion.”

“I remember when you first visited these grounds, Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia reflected fondly, Twilight seeing a mental picture of her young self in awe and wonderment, “You were nervous, so nervous, your poor mother had to do all the talking for your orientation.”

The two mares shared a laugh at this, Apple Bloom staying the course of observation.

“Oh I do as well.” Twilight smiled.

“I must ask though,” Celestia hesitated a little, “What brings her here as your sole company?”

“She… currently lives with me for the time being. I figured she could use a bit of a vacation, and Spike probably appreciates some time alone; it works out.”

“What of her sister?” Celestia was clearly unaware of the domestic situation, “The Element of Honesty, Applejack?”

Twilight could see out of her periphery, Apple Bloom flinch slightly. The mention of her sister alone was enough it seemed to inspire discomfort.

“Well… it’s somewhat of a personal matter, something I think she wouldn’t be comfortable discussing.”

“Oh, I am most sorry young one.” Celestia bowed her head. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s alright…” Apple Bloom said weakly, unable to make eye contact with either mare.

Celestia’s concern was clear, Twilight made a mental note to discuss that matter when the filly wasn’t present or within earshot; an intent she made clear with a simple nod.

“How are the others?” Celestia questioned, still visibly unsettled by the previous interaction.

“Things have been rather, shall we say, hectic. Outside of Pinkie Pie, and I suppose Fluttershy; we’ve all been at varying degrees of stress. Rainbow Dash has been bogged down with some affairs in Cloudsdale, and Rarity, well, Rarity is quite busy at the moment.”

“Ah yes,” Celestia had a wry smile about her now, “Cloudsdale seems to be undergoing a bit of a political schism as of late. The pegasi have always been a bit of an unstable nation, but their recent discourse has been something of a spectacle.”

“Is it something of concern?” Twilight grew curious. Her insight to this event was nonexistent.

“All I can say of the moment, is that it shouldn’t affect their obligations to regulate the weather of this land, their Weather Bureau has assured me of this. Though my pegasi ambassadors are keeping a close watch. You will be among the first to know if it becomes problematic.”

“With Spring Celebrations on the horizon, I certainly hope they work something out.” Twilight sighed, “Ponyville is very much a participant in that. They would be crushed if the festivals were called off.”

“True.” Celestia took another sip from her teacup. “What of Rarity?”

“To be honest, it’s more a matter pertaining to Scootaloo, Apple Bloom is very good friends with her. The poor filly was orphaned from birth and living homeless.”

“Oh dear.” Celestia gasped.

“Yes, as I stated previous, she lives with Rarity for now, and they seem to be doing fine as it is; I can't imagine the boutique is where Scootaloo wishes to call home until maturity.”

“Perhaps we could arrange for adoption here? I’m sure there would be somepony willing to take her in.”

“Huh?” Apple Bloom snapped out of her disengagement at the reception that her feathered friend could be farmed out of Ponyville.

“I think it would be best if we keep her in Ponyville. I’ll see to it that something is arranged for her.” Twilight looked to see Apple Bloom breathe a sigh of relief.

“I’ve noticed an irregularity in your friendship letters.” Celestia mentioned, “Is everything alright with you and Spike?”

“Oh of course.” Twilight answered hastily, “I’ve just been deep in studies again.” Twilight laughed sheepishly, not seeming to notice the split-second twitch in Celestia’s eye. Apple Bloom saw it, but made no indication of such.

“Regarding…” Celestia lead.

“Oh, numerous subjects of varying nature. Principally on the rearing of a filly.” Twilight chuckled, shooting a friendly glance to Apple Bloom who smiled.

Not hearing anything of concern or consequence put Celestia at ease. “I envy your position at times.” She mused, “I always wished for a filly. I suppose one could refute, what with Cadence and all, but I’ve always yearned for children of my own.”

“I don’t see why you couldn’t now.” Twilight smiled.

“Oh, it’s complicated dear. Being an alicorn of such prestige and prowess, I couldn’t possibly fulfill my maternal duties to the fullest. It’s a fleeting fancy, that much I can assure you.”

The two’s conversation resumed for some time. For Apple Bloom, it seemed like it had been an eternity since they passed through those doors. Her perception reinforced by the sunset before them as they made their way to the Castle grounds.

“It’s always a pleasure, Twilight.” Celestia grinned as her student and Apple Bloom arrived at the gate entrance.

“The pleasure is mine.” Twilight beamed, looking at the filly who now looked more than tired. Without a word of warning, Apple Bloom was levitated on her back and eased into sleep almost instantly.

“Please do keep me posted on Scootaloo and… the others.” Celestia said as Twilight made her way towards town.

“Sure thing.” Twilight nodded, finally making her trek to the train station.

Celestia watched for awhile, even after Twilight was well beyond her sight. As far as the mare would get by way of locomotion, the unicorn refused the depart her mind; the news from earlier still haunting her thoughts.

The last thing she wanted was to be hated by the one who loved her the most.

Author's Notes:

Well...that only took two months and change to complete. Though, to be frank with you, it consisted of maybe ~100 words for 2/3 of that time. 90% of this happened today. Fresh off of topping a chapter on my AWoG fic. So praise... Sweetie Belle. Yeah. That's it. Best CMC rides again.