Author's Notes:

Thanks again to Regreme for being my proofreader and editor. My chapters are slowly getting longer, and hopefully will keep that up. Thanks to those that are reading, and please leave some feedback if you can.

Sam awoke in a fashion he never expected to ever do in his life since Curdan Cay. There was no loud buzzer to act as his alarm clock. No hard, lumpy mattress atop a steel frame that was bolted to the floor. Not even the sound of fluorescent, overhead lamps that always gave off that weird humming noise no matter how dim they were set. In fact, he also couldn’t hear his fellow conduit friends also rousing themselves in their own fashions as they always did within their little hideout along the Memphis riverbank. The lack of anything familiar to wake up to caused the wire conduit to panic for a moment until his thoughts cleared enough for him to remember.

“Marty McFly,” Celestia spoke up, “We are willing to circumvent your detainment and aid you in finding your home, but on one condition.”

‘There’s the catch,’ Sam thought, still chuckling to himself over his name.

Sam leaned back in his chair, waiting for the inevitable clause he would have to agree to. Only question was, what would it be? Sworn loyalty? Access to everything he knew about conduits? God forbid if these horses had a weird kink for humans.

Celestia smiled and said, “You will have to apologize to each and every guard that you injured from your arrival.”

If Sam had been drinking anything at that moment, he would would have done an impressive spit take. In the meantime, his reaction was just as dignified as he choked on his own spit and coughed violently to regain his composure. This had to be some kind of joke.

“Let me get this straight,” Sam said between his fit, “You want me to apologize to a bunch of ho- ponies, and that’s it?

Luna’s brow furrowed as she spoke, “Dost thou hath any trouble understanding our request?”

Sam chuckled a bit more from the lunar princess’ ye’ ol’ english before answering, “No, but seriously. What do you really want?”

Luna continued to look a little mad while Celestia’s face set into a soft puzzlement. Neither of them answered, as if they were asked the ultimate question of the universe.

“Maybe we have asked you in the wrong fashion, Marty McFly? I believed we made our condition quite simple,” Celestia continued to seem puzzled.

Sam suddenly realized that these techno-colored equines may have actually been serious. He wasn’t exactly prepared for something like this. Yet, here it was. A simple demand for an apology and he gets a slap on the wrist essentially. Every part of his skeptical side screamed how much bullshit this was and that there had to be more to it. On the other hand, these leaders of a pony nation had just handed him the easiest ‘get out of jail free’ card. After thinking it over as many times as he could, Sam looked back up at the two princesses and tried to flash them his most innocent grin.

“Alright, fine. I’ll agree to your condition, so long as there’s no take backs.”

It was as if Sam had said the magic words and Celestia lit up with a smile so bright, he could have sworn he saw it shine. Along with the rest of her. Luna on the other hand still looked a little skeptical herself, but held her tongue.

“Thank you,” Celestia spoke, “I am glad we could come to an agreement, Marty McFly.”

Sam was starting to get tired of the joke himself, so he did the one thing he could do to remedy that.

“Yeah, so my name’s Samuel by the way. Though just call me Sam. Everyone else does.”

After that, the princesses left to gather a few guards and the keys to the conduit’s restraints, only to return to find the conduit already out of his chains. Unremarkably, the returning equines were either utterly surprised or warily cautious. The guards that had accompanied their diarchs drew their spears and took up defensive positions around what little room the interrogation room would allow.

“How did thou release thyself from thy bonds?!” Luna pointed an accusatory hoof at Sam.

Sam just shrugged and called forth a few strands of wire to dance around the palms of his hands, “I’m no expert at lockpicking, but those were too easy. Plus, you were taking too long. I got bored.”

“But, the negation ringlet is supposed to suppress all manner of magical expression,” Luna countered.

Sam looked down at the shiny, dark-blue bracelet on his right wrist that he had noticed he had worn ever since he woke up in this crazy world. The material was cool to the touch and smooth all around. Whenever he held it up to the light, it practically sparkled, like it had flecks of glitter embedded in it. Though no matter what he tried, it never seemed to come off. It fit perfectly around his wrist with only enough room to not chafe. Apparently, this thing was also supposed to suppress magical expressions, or what they thought Sam’s conduit abilities were.

“This thing here?” Sam pointed to the ringlet around his wrist, “I thought it was some goofy trinket one of ya slapped on me.”

The entire room was filled with varying dumbfounded expressions. In the end, Celestia made Sam promise not to surprise them like that again, to which Sam agreed. All the while, immaturely crossing his fingers behind his back. Seeing as the ringlet was useless, the princesses removed it with a quick burst of magic and decided that reintroductions should be administered.

Sam was already sitting up in his castle suite’s bed as he recalled the last parts of the previous day’s events.

After the little jump scare of his ‘release’, the princesses led the conduit out of the dungeons, followed by a quartet of ever stoic guards trailing them. Their little procession led them up into the larger, and considerably less dank, halls of the castle proper. Sam had to admit that it was quite impressive and questioned on multiple occasions on how a species with nothing but hooves could build such a place. Though those thoughts were washed away when they passed a sizable window and he caught his first glance of the outside world since he had been locked away. He actually had to stop and stare at the absurd sight to even come close to comprehend what he was seeing. Just outside the window was a grand view of a picturesque landscape that spanned for miles into the distance. Though the sight that really took the cake was when he looked out over the window’s ledge. A sheer drop that was only broken up by craggy cliffs nearly half a mile down. The sheer incline that led up to the castle’s foundation that Sam could barely see made it fairly obvious that this side of the castle would definitely not be the ideal place to be if a sudden earthquake were to hit.

The two princesses shared a silent chuckle with each other over the conduit’s stunned expression before beckoning him to follow them. The rest of the castle that Sam was led through was just as grand as the hall he first encountered after exiting the dungeon. Though the halls were conspicuously devoid of the hustle and bustle one would expect to see from such a luxurious building. Sam got the sneaking suspicion that they were avoiding such encounters, but held off on calling it out. After a small trek throughout many of the castle’s corridors, they ended up in an infirmary wing that was built into one part of the castle. Ponies with lab coats and nurse caps only stopped to stare for a moment at the odd creature and its procession before giving a curt bow to the princesses and hurrying off to whatever tasks they already had or look busy. The air, filled with the sights and smells of an antiseptic lab, was putting Sam on edge. Luckily, he kept reminding himself he was not here for any other reason than to dole out a couple of apologies and leave. The entire affair went as smoothly as sandpaper, but as promised, the recovering guards reluctantly accepted the conduit’s apology from each of their beds. That didn’t mean that they couldn’t throw a few looks his way when his back was turned.

After the prolonged session, the day was pretty much done, so the princesses suggested that they all retire for the evening. Which led the conduit to the biggest surprise of the evening as he was taken not to the dungeon, like he anticipated, but one of the many, extravagant castle suites. Upon questioning the princesses on their choice of hospitality, Celestia replied with a light titter and asked him why they wouldn’t provide him with such an accommodation. Being too tired from the day’s events, Sam elected to go along with it and bade the two princesses a good night.

Looking around the room again since waking up that morning, he still couldn’t believe that he was here. The room was too big to really be called a simple suite. It was more like a one room apartment. Sam threw the covers off himself and walked through the room to reach the bathroom on the other end, taking note of everything as he passed.

The bed was big enough to fit three people comfortably and left Sam with the impression that it was made with clouds with how soft it was from the night he slept in it. A simple, yet expertly carved wooden nightstand sat stoically next to the bed with a single ceramic lamp on top. On one side of the suite was a study desk with fresh sheets of parchment and a quill & inkwell. How these ponies never discovered the genius behind a ballpoint pen with all their “magic”, Sam would never know. Next to it was a grand bookcase. And when Sam thought grand, it meant enough books to challenge his own library of books he’s read in his lifetime. He may have liked to read for fun, but damn. On the other side of the suite was a set of lavish, light-blue loveseats. Although, Sam suspected with these ponies’ anatomy that they were meant for one occupant each. The window on the far wall behind the seats was quite large, but simple in design, with similarly colored drapes hanging loosely against it. Passing the window, Sam regarded the view of half of the city of Canterlot, the nation’s capitol and location of his residence, he could see with the same stupefaction he gave the previous night.

He asked the princesses about the city before they left, which led to him finding out, to his disbelief, that their capital had been built almost directly on the side of a mountain. Just another tidbit to add to the whole ‘question it later, too tired’ bin. Other than that, the view was pretty amazing, but onwards to his destination to do his morning bathroom rituals he went and picked up his shirt and pants he threw across the room from the previous night.

Aegis Flare, in all his royal guard career, never felt like his position was so demanding or frustrating. He would have never made it to the rank of Captain were it not for his level-headed temperament or his resourceful and adaptive mind whenever in a pinch. Though as of late, his limits have been tested, and even he could see that his skills were left lacking for want of a better term.

In the past couple of weeks, he had received three missing ponies reports from within the city’s garrison. Crime was always going to be a part of life and a nature that he had been trained and trained others to handle. However, what made this string of reports far more frustrating was not the severity of the possible crime, but the circumstances surrounding them. Following these reports, he was also informed of similar reports being received in various townships throughout Equestria. The one common thread between them was that in every instance of the pony going missing... they all seemed to just disappear. There were no signs of struggles, no magical impressions to hint at foul play, and no eyewitnesses attesting to any strange happenings or noises. It was like they just up and left or vanished without so much as a trace. Aegis Flare was never one for superstitions, so any claims of a boogeymare involved were thrown right out. It was just frustrating that there was not so much as a hint as to what happened to these ponies.

To top it all off, now he had to deal with a creature that had appeared several days ago out of nowhere that was resistant to magic and was being treated like a diplomat instead of a criminal, like it should be. Said creature was also why he was heading towards the guest suites of the castle at that very moment with a small cadre of his best best soldiers. He was personally assigned to escort the creature to breakfast with the princesses this morning, but that didn’t mean he had to like it or that he would let the creature have as much freedom as it was supposedly allowed. Turning the last corner that led to the creature’s room, he was at least pleased to see that the guards he assigned to watch the entrance were diligently stationed at their posts. He could only assume that the pegasi guards he posted just outside the windows were also just as diligent. The two guards at the posts snapped crisp salutes to their captain at his approach. The Captain nodded in return and waited for their morning report.

“Sir, nothing to report from either shifts,” the guard on the left reported, “The pegasi teams also noted nothing to report during each of their hourly checks outside the suite’s perimeter.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant. You and Private Meadow are relieved. Relay to the pegasi guards that they are also relieved on your way out. We will be handling the creature’s escort to its morning meal,” Aegis Flare gruffly stated.

Both the guards saluted again before peeling away. Aegis Flare waited for the two guards to round the corner down the hall before returning to the task at hoof. Signalling his own guards to take positions a few paces away from the door, he prepared for the ensuing battle that could come from today’s events. His hoof rose up and rapped upon the suite’s door and waited for a response. From the other side of the portal, he could faintly hear the sounds of footsteps getting closer. Aegis Flare braced as the door’s handle slowly turned and the door opened to reveal the strange creature standing before him. Aegis Flare was not going to be intimidated by the creature’s larger stature even as he had to tilt his head slightly to look it in the eye. Not to say it was that much bigger. He could tell that if he were to stand on his hind hooves, he would only be maybe a few centimeters shorter. The creature looked down upon the scowling face of the captain and put on its stupid grin it got every time they encountered each other.

“Hey there, Cappy,” it merrily spoke, “You will not believe how big the bathtub in one of these rooms are. I swear, you could fit a whole horse in there!”

That was the other thing that Captain Aegis Flare hated about this creature. It never knew when to shut up. Every time it spoke, it was either an insult or a stupid comment came from its mouth without a filter. Captain Aegis Flare gritted his teeth as he went about reciting his message that was given from the princesses.

“The princesses wish to inform you that they request your presence for the morning meal in the dining hall. Be ready to depart, as we are to escort you there personally.”

The creature blinked once as it processed the request, “Eh, sure. Give me a minute to grab my stuff.”

With that, the creature left the door open and walked back across the room to the bed where it acquired its footwear. The Captain also took notice that the creature’s clothes seemed slightly different from all the other times that it had seen it in the dungeons. Wherever the fabric was torn open was haphazardly stitched together by little metal rings. The captain suspected that the creature used its abilities to do up the job, as there were no apparent materials in the room to do such a thing with. The creature returned a few moments later and joined the procession outside the room, taking note of the other guards that were also there.

It smiled again as it talked, “Lead the way, Cappy. I could definitely use some breakfast.”

“My name is Captain Aegis Flare. Now, follow us, and do not attempt to wander off.”

With the Captain leading the way, Sam decided to look around a little more at the castle they walked through. Each window they passed would be excellent routes for escape should the need arise, and he also noted that besides Cappy, there were four other guards keeping watch over him on their little trek. Two of them unicorns and other two of the normal variety, each of them looking almost identical except for the slight, subtle differences in size. How they all had the same coat color when Sam saw various hues on others from the princesses and the staff at the medical bay eluded him. Just another tidbit he’d look into most likely never. In any case, these were manageable numbers, even with what little wire he still had. His clothes, unlike many times before, did not regenerate as he recovered over the past several days, and he had to improvise their repair with a few links of wire on some of the nastier gashes, While the rest was pockmarked with burn marks and other small cuts. Over all, the job was shoddy, but they would do for now.

In the meantime, the trek through the castle was mercifully short as they halted just outside a set of dark wood doors that Sam could only assume was the dining hall. The captain stepped forward and knocked on one of the doors before entering.

“Your majesties, I have brought our guest as requested,” the captain proclaimed before allowing Sam to follow him in with the other guards in tow.

Sam couldn’t help but stop for just a moment to admire the architecture of even a simple dining hall. The table could probably sit twenty people comfortably from its size. The room was decorated with the same style as the rest of the castle, but with a bit more subtly in color to create a more homely feel. Only two of the windows were of stained glass, which sat at the ends of the eastern wall. Their patterns more of just artistic interpretations of the day and night. Along that and the opposite wall were a few more guards standing at a stillness that anyone not really looking would confuse them for just statues. Though what really caught Sam’s attention were the two pony princesses sitting on the far end of the table across from each other with their own platters of food before them. Next to Luna was another plate with another platter of food that Sam could only suspect was his.

Celestia smiled as she greeted the conduit, “Good morning, Samuel. I hope you are well rested.”

“Pretty much,” Sam replied, “Though didn’t I tell you you can just call me, Sam?”

“If that is what you prefer,” Celestia nodded and gestured to the seat next to Luna, “Come, sit. We were just waiting for your arrival before we eat.”

Sam marched himself over to the offered seat and discreetly checked around it for any signs of danger. Just because the princesses were playing nice doesn’t mean he can’t be cautious. Luna and Celestia waited before the conduit sat down before they set about their meals. In true fashion that Sam suspected of royalty, they ate with such poise and etiquette that would put his standards of manners to shame. Not that he really cared about his manners, but he wasn’t a barbarian either. It was then he noticed something. A smell. A smell he had no idea would come from a place like this. Looking down at his plate, he spotted the one thing that could actually make this day far better than any since he’d been there.

“Bacon?!”

Luna patted her muzzle with a napkin before looking at the conduit inquisitively, “Is something the matter, Sam? We thought your requests for meat back in your detainment were for your omnivorous nature.”

Sam shook his head before answering, even as the sweet smell of the delicious strip of meat became more enticing, “No, it’s just that I thought for a bunch of herbivores, meat would be the last thing I’d see here.”

Celestia chuckled from behind her teacup, “You would be right, but our foreign dignitaries from the Griffon Kingdom and the Diamond Dog tribes who visit appreciate the gesture of an open mind when it comes to their culinary options.”

Although not understanding what a ‘Diamond Dog’ was, Sam could appreciate anyone who also saw the value in a hearty diet of rich protein from meat. Without another word, he picked up his first strip and ate it whole. Flavor exploded across his sense of taste. It was smoky, crispy, and had just enough fat to really draw out the best of its flavor. Sam almost forgot where he was for a moment, as he just wanted to enjoy as many pieces of delicious cooked pig. Thankfully, there were still two more slices and Sam enjoyed each with just as much enthusiasm.

The meal was spectacular compared to what Sam was used to having down in the dungeons. Scrambled eggs, Whole wheat toast with jam, and tall glass of fresh squeezed OJ. Which made it all the more sad when the meal was finished, but at least he had his fill. Sam watched as the princesses were also just about finished with their meals before setting their own plates aside. As if on cue, a unicorn in a butler’s get-up appeared from a door on the other side of the room from the main entrance. Sam hadn’t noticed this at all and was surprised until the pony had only come to pick up the empty dishes before taking his leave. Of course, not before not so subtly gawking at the creature known as a human he had never seen before. Sam was used to those kind of looks, so he just ignored it.

“Sam,” Celestia spoke up, “I would like to thank you again for your cooperation to allow us to help you in finding your home. Although trying at first, I am glad we can come to an understanding and hopefully move past our first impressions. I would also like to extend our offer in that the event of anything you need, within reason, we will try to provide.”

Sam’s breakfast and good mood nearly turned sour as he ran over what the princess said in his mind.

“Alright, what else are you looking to get out of this?”

The princesses gave the conduit a forlorn look. They had thought that they had moved passed this. Evidently, they had been mistaken and would need to find a way past this.

“Does thou always expect some form of compensation to be returned on others’ hospitality?” Luna said curtly.

Celestia tried to chastise her sister with a look, but she too couldn’t help but think the same thing.

Sam, on the other hand, merely shrugged as he replied, “In my experience? Pretty much always.”

The two alicorns shared a look. This was going to be more difficult than a prideful griffon.

“Sam, I don’t know what your species are like, but here, it is a common courtesy for one pony to help another pony in need,” Celestia said.

Sam chuckled, “They say the same thing where I’m from, but believe me. That’s not how it works.”

“Then, let us try to show you that it’s true here.”

Sam wanted to laugh, but every time these ponies spoke of some ‘love and tolerance’ policy like it was some kind of standard. It made him wonder. So far, he’s been given a castle suite and an excellent breakfast. By no means proof of their words, but definitely different than what he was used to. Actually, he remembered. A time before Curdan Cay. Sure, he was in high school and dealt with a bully or two, but there was a time when good intentions were never expectant of returned favor. The thought was banished from Sam’s mind though, as he was reminded of what the real world had taught him. Though, with a reluctant nod, he gestured for the solar princess to continue.

“Is there anything that you happen to need at the moment?” The princess asked.

Sam thought about it. There was only one thing that he was in desperate need of at the moment, and this was the perfect opportunity to test these new boundaries.

“Wire,” the conduit admitted, “I need a big ol spool of wire. Iron or steel if you got it.”

The request seemed odd to the princesses, but they wanted to show their guest that their words were not hollow. Calling two of the guards closest to them, they relayed the request to them, to which they bowed and exited the dining room with their task. So, they waited, but as with all things in life that required patience and no outlet, the occupants of the room became bored and anxious.

It was Luna’s turn to break the ice and with a question that was burning in her mind since the request was made.

“Why is it that you require such an odd item?” she asked the conduit.

“Well, don’t get me wrong,” Sam started off, “the meal was great and all, but I need something else to fill me up.”

“You eat metal?” Luna asked confusedly.

Now, Sam could laugh, and laugh he did until he could actually breath, “Not exactly, but that would be a great party trick next time to show off. No, I need wire to recharge what I lost from my recovery.”

“I don’t think we quite fully understand, Sam,” Celestia tried to coax the answer out.

Sam rolled his eyes, “You see, conduits need a source to syphon off to refuel whenever they use their abilities.”

Sam raised his right hand and summoned a few tendrils of wire to dance about his palm he still had. He got a little kick out of how the guards’ armor clanked together as they tensed at his display. No doubt still sore over their last scuffle. The little wires danced and wove until they tied together into the form of a miniature wire frame of a pony. Although silent, the little wire equine reared up to pose dramatically. The princesses were awestruck by the little display, that is until a certain captain cut in.

“Are you saying that you need this wire to increase your power and abilities?” Aegis Flare called out.

Sam should have known that Cappy would be the one to call this out.

“In a way, yeah.”

His scowl grew harder as he faced the princesses, “Your highnesses. I believe it is in our best interests that Samuel may not be permitted to obtain this ‘source’, as he calls it.”

The princesses could see what the captain was getting at. In a sense, he was right. Sam had proven to be quite the adversary, even at his weakest. If what the conduit was telling them was true, he may pose a true danger to the kingdom of Equestria if he so choose.

“We understand your concerns, Captain,” Celestia spoke, “We are well aware of the implications, but we believe that Sam’s request to be within reason. As we’ve said, we would grant him any resources he has asked for, so long as it’s within that reason.”

Aegis Flare looked about ready to pop a blood vessel, “Your highness, you can’t honestly believe that this, this creature, will not just use this as a means-”

The Princess of the Sun cut him off with a raised hoof, “Thank you, Captain, but we have made our decision.”

“Nay, sister,” Luna finally spoke up, “the good captain has a point. I see no reason to allowing such a request go fulfilled without stipulation. Samuel, how much wire is it that you require to ‘refuel’ your depleted wares?”

Sam was at least glad they didn’t completely leave him out of the exchange. That didn’t mean that he didn’t have a backup plan to get the spare wire if he needed it. That lamp on his bedside table looked like it had to be connected to some electrical grid, and where there’s electricity, there’s wires. In the meantime, princess stingy needed her answer, which Sam gave.

“Eh, I never really measured out how much I can usually take on. If I had to guess, a couple hundred feet should do.”

“Feet?” Luna inquired, “Is that unit close to a meter?”

‘Holy crap. These ponies are metric.’ “Yeah, pretty much the same.”

“Then, it is settled,” Luna proclaimed, “Thou shall only receive one hundred meters of wire.”

“Two hundred,” Sam mockingly bargained.

Luna eyed the conduit, “...one hundred and twenty-five, and no more.”

“Deal.”

Aegis Flare was nearly fuming at the end of the exchange, but a stern look from the Princess of the Sun made him hold his tongue.

The two guards that were sent to retrieve the wire had just returned, and with them, a spool of wire heavy enough that they opted to roll it in on its wooden spool. The princess of the moon gave the two guards instructions on cutting the wire to the right amount, all the while keeping an eye on the conduit should he attempt to obtain the whole spool himself. Sam watched as the unicorn guard magically broke off the estimated amount for him, and the two guards started to wheel the spool out again. Sam focused on the length that was set before him. An image of him slurping up the braided piece like a spaghetti noodle came to mind when he thought about Luna’s comment about eating it. Of course, he refrained from such silliness, as he would use that later to joke with a certain group of conduits back in Tennessee.

Still, as Sam eyed the shortened spool before him, he couldn’t help but feel a longing that any conduit felt when separated from their element for so long.

‘Hey there, sexy! You’re gonna be all up in me here in a minute.’

Sam pressed his hand to one end of the wire and felt the familiar sensation of taking in a new source. However... there was something else underneath it all too. Like a light tingling where the wire was being absorbed into him. Even though the process was a little slower than what he was used to, nothing else felt unusual about it and he went about absorbing the rest. Everyone in the room watched as the conduit seemed to control the wire to wrap around his outstretched hand like a snake charmer would with its snake before it seemed to dissolve into the conduit’s body entirely. Before long, all the wire was gone and Sam appeared to be more revitalized.

“How do you feel?” Luna asked

“Like I could take on an army.” Sam replied deviously.

“Let us hope that you will not act upon any intentions to do so,” Luna added, “Samuel, if you would, would you accompany me to the gardens?”

Sam arched his brow in curiosity, “Am I in trouble?”

Celestia chuckled from behind her final cup of morning tea as she watched the exchange.

Luna gave a deadpan look before speaking, “No. I am just merely accustomed to my morning walks with company before retiring for the day, and my sister has already informed me that she has previous engagements this day that demand her immediate attention.”

Sam looked between the two sisters, searching for any ulterior motives through their expressions, but finding none. In any case, this would give him another opportunity to map the area for routes of escape, should he need them. Besides, not like he had anything better to do.

“Sure, why not,” Sam finally replied.

“Excellent,” Luna said, “Then let us make haste. The skies are unclouded, and the air is crisp. Sister, we wish thee good fortune in today’s endeavours.”

“As well as yours, sister,” Celestia nodded back.

Everyone rose from their seats and headed for the dining room doors. Surprisingly, Cappy was not following the Princess of the Moon and her company. Sam barely overheard him whisper to a few guards that were following them to watch over ‘the creature’ in his stead. Apparently, he had his own obligations to manage, but it was sweet of Cappy to think of him.

Luna led the way through more of the castle, which Sam memorized for later. There was at least one highlight, in which one of the castle maids was unaware that her duties should have been elsewhere, as her eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets at seeing a strange creature venturing the halls alongside the Lunar Princess. The princess luckily intervened and politely asked the wayward maid to keep what she saw to herself. Sam couldn’t help but crack a grin, not only at the mare’s reaction, but her attire as well. The get up was what one would call ‘french maid’, minus the over exaggerated frilliness and being more practical in its form. Seemed like clothing was either optional in this world or a means to denote occupation. In the end, their tour of the interior hallways was swift, and Sam was led to the first doorway that led to the outside. Luna hadn’t been lying about the air being so crisp, nor the skies being ‘unclouded’. What she failed to mention was how serene the place in front of them was.

A few marble steps just outside the doorway led directly into the gardens. Most of the gardens stretched on beyond Sam’s view behind hedges twice as big as him. Just a dozen feet from the foot of the steps was a marble fountain that spewed water from its spout at the top of its Victorian design. Three paths branched off from the walkway around the fountain. Each began with a few topiary trees on either side of their paths before opening up into their own unique form of garden. The entrance to a hedge maze started beyond the right path. Off to the left, laid a small circuit with various trees with glinting plaques underneath each one.

The princess led the conduit, along with their escort of guards, down and past the fountain through to the middle path. Sam peered out to the other paths and almost wished to see those ones as well some other time. This path led past more topiary, but their designs remained subtle, like if they were anymore complicated, it would ruin the atmosphere. It was actually relaxing to a degree for Sam, and he took in the sights just as much to enjoy as to map the area. The princess seemed to also be enjoying the walk and was a little more at ease.

The two didn’t talk, too busy just following the winding path deeper into the garden until they came upon a gazebo. It upheld the simple design of this area of the garden. The wood was richly lacquered to give it a slightly darker tone to complement its natural hue. As Sam got closer, he could see that simple wavy patterns were carved into the supports as accents. Inside was roomy enough to fit six people comfortably and was furnished with wooden benches with plush looking, beige cushions. Luna was the first to ascend the few steps into the structure and bade the conduit to join her.

As they both took seats on opposing benches, their tranquil quiet morphed into awkward silence. Sam soon became a little unnerved by the princess’ stares and began to shoot a few of his own stares back. That is, until Luna decided it was time to break the ice.

“Tell us, Samuel. What does thou think of the royal garden?”

Luna always knew just the right questions to ask to give the conduit pause to think. He just couldn’t tell if there was anything else in the princess’ question that was hiding another meaning. In the end, he just took it as a simple question and responded with grace.

“Not half bad.”

“...Just that then?” Luna asked, “Nothing else?”

“Look, Loony,” Sam raised his hands in defense, “I’m no gardener. So, I’m not gonna pretend and say something like ‘This garden is extravagantly crafted’ or some other bull. If you want something more: it’s pretty damn nice. Sure beats the hell out of anything I’ve seen before.”

Luna couldn’t understand a few of the conduit’s word choices, but the point was at least easy to follow.

“We suppose we all have our own way of looking at things. Now, there is another reason we wished for your company, Samuel.”

Sam frowned, “You know, I did say you can just call me Sam.”

“We are very well aware of that, Samuel,” Luna replied with the faintest of smirks.

Sam bit back his own smirk of amusement.‘Oh ho... that cheeky bitch’s got jokes.’

“Back to the matter at hoof. We wished to speak with you a bit more frankly, Samuel. We, that is to say, I have noticed that you still do not fully think my sister and I to be your allies in your endeavour. What is that that you are still holding against us?”

Again, the princess got straight to the point, to which Sam felt a little more respect for the dark blue horse in her ways. Not to mention every time she talked made him think of a discount renaissance fair.

“I’m not exactly what you call ‘trustful of authoritative figures’,” Sam replied while crossing his arms.

“Oh? Then who is it that you know that you can trust?” Luna asked

“You really like to pick at people’s brains, don’t you, Loony?” Sam asked in kind.

“In a way, yes. That is besides the point. My question has still gone unanswered. Surely, there is somepony that you have in your life. Friends? Family?”

At the mention of both the ‘f’ words, Sam tensed. He was trying not to focus on either groups or the fact that they were literally worlds away. Luna caught the conduit’s flinch and suddenly felt she understood a little more of what this creature, this conduit, was like. She was reminded that even if Samuel had caused her and her sister’s subjects pain, he too held the same emotions as they did and only attacked in retaliation. He was no less a pony than any of their subjects in that regard.

“I am sorry if my words offended you, Samuel.”

“No, it’s fine,” Sam smiled, but with less sincerity, “As soon as I get back, I’m gonna have one hell of a story to tell the others.”

“Others,” Luna repeated, “These others... they are your friends? Are they like you?”

Sam paused, “...You could say that.”

“*sigh* There is just no easy way to get a straight answer out of you, is there?”

“...You could say that.”

Although Luna frowned, the conduit’s returning cheer promised her she was at least on some right track. As much as she wished to continue with her queries, the temptress of sleep was calling for her. It also didn’t help that Samuel snickered at her attempt to hide her yawn.

“Yes, well. I have kept you for long enough, but I would like to ask you for one last favor before I depart, Samuel.”

Sam, now intrigued, gestured silently for the princess to continue.

“If you do not trust us for who we are. Then, trust us in our endeavour to help you for your friends.”

“I’ll think about it,” Sam replied lazily, though still smirked.

“I guess that will have to do for now,” Luna said before getting up from her bench to leave the gazebo, “If you will, will you accompany me back to the castle?”

Sam could tell that the request was just another means to keep an eye on him, but saw no real reason to decline. These horses wanted trust, so why not give them just a little? He needed them if their promise of finding his home was true. So, he nodded and hopped from his seat to join the princess for the walk back through the garden.

“By the way,” Luna suddenly spoke up, “My sister may have not said anything, but your attire is in quite the state of disrepair.”

Sam looked down at his hastily stitched together clothes. They still had cuts and burn marks all over the front. Plus a few bloodstains that he failed at getting out from the previous night. The little rings of the wires that held together the larger tears looked mangled at best.

He just shrugged, “I can give them another wash, if it makes you feel better. Honestly, this ain’t the worst thing I’ve worn in my life. Now, that polo back in middle school...”

Luna mentally rolled her eyes and exasperatedly proclaimed, “Nay, you may spare us the details. I was merely going to suggest that we have the royal tailor make something new for you.”

“Alright, but nothing in orange.”