The day went like any other, classes dull as they were. Caecus sat in the school library waiting for Ocellus so they may begin studying. He still was unsure if this was his brightest idea or one of great folly. Still, it was a chance to study a changeling, something that any scholar of his homeland would have killed for. Myths and facts of the ancient race had become clouded, with some believing the race of shapechangers spawned from the depths of the abyss and would feast upon the flesh of foals.

Why, he would be able to get a sense of the changeling's motives and hopefully uncover a means to better deal with the ones that dwelled near his homeland. Even if Ocellus was from a strange hive that had embraced the ideals of Equestria, she was still a changeling. The meek changeling had a kind nature if what the prince had seen was not an act. She was as caring as Lady Dawn, or like one of the cleric mothers of the Order of Lux.

However, even the cleric mothers could hold their own when they were needed. So Caecus couldn’t help but wonder if Ocellus had some form of combat training, as he doubted that changelings would let any of their young live without learning how to defend the hive.

As he waited, he tapped his hoof on the hard wooden table. Caecus’s mind went to thoughts of ancient tales and myths. If the scholars of the faith were right, then the changelings were the children of Tenebris, which made them one of the elder races, something that only Eldlings, Dragons, and Sirens could also claim.

Soon the doors to the library opened and Ocellus ented carrying a pile of books in her magic.

"Afternoon, I hope your classes went well," Caecus said upon seeing the changeling.

The changeling smiled as she sat the books on the table and took a seat. "They did, how about your classes?" Ocellus asked as she started to pull pens and paper from her saddlebags.

Caecus didn't need to think long on his classes, as they were as always a dull affair. "They went well. So what part of my homeland are you currently studying?" the prince asked.

Ocellus looked through her notes. "Um... 'the line of kings' is where I left off."

The prince couldn't help but find amusing, as that was the part he was well-versed in, being taught the names and deeds of his family even before he could walk.

"My family history. Tell me, which king are you reading about?"

"King Seraphim Highever, but I was hoping you could tell me what it was like growing up there, as we do need to compare how life is different in the kingdom we are studying," Ocellus replied.

Caecus took in a deep breath as he recalled how life was different in Aquinas. He sat back in his seat and tried to pick where to start. He could have started with his schooling, or how he was named in the light of Lux, or how he had watched from the place by his brothers' side as a pony was put death, for what he could not recall. However, his mind went to the tales he heard the servants tell.

“Life is much different in my homeland yet at times the same, and if I was to tell of my foalhood it would not be the best example.” He did his best to smile.

“I’m sure your foalhood can’t be that strange, royal or not,” Ocellus said.

“Well… “ Caecus leaned on one of his hooves. “I was named in the great temple and was schooled in the ways of war from my earliest days. So I trained alongside the Eagle Guard, learning sword and spell as my father did before me, and his father before him. I have seen ponies put to death by my tenth year and...” He was about to say more when he took note of how Ocellus had a look of understanding. She was a changeling so maybe her early were much the same, yet Ocellus seemed too timid to have knowledge of such things. “Before I continue, why is it that you don’t seem troubled by any of what I just said?”

Ocellus put down her pen and tapped her hooves together. “All young drones were trained to fight… nearly all the other nymphs wanted to be great warriors like Pharynx or as cunning as Queen Chrysalis.”

“I take it you didn’t wish to be a warrior?” Caecus asked, interrupting.

Ocellus was silent, just looking at her hooves.

“No…” she said at last. The changeling glanced nervously around the room, seemly trying to avoid looking at Caecus. “So did you have any friends as a foal?”

Caecus wanted to ask more about her early years but thought it best not to. “Nay, my days were spent training. Now, if you were to have asked my brothers than you would have got countless names.” Caecus laughed a bit as he recalled his brothers. “Amor Dei and his friends would go and woo the mares. Why, Aurum was more than willing to mess with the servants.”

“So you don’t have any friends?” Ocellus asked.

Caecus thought on the matter. Did he have any he called friends? There was Titan, but could he call a pony bound to his family, whose duty it was to serve the crown, as a true friend?“Nay. As I said, I only had time to train. I’m the third born son so my life is meant to serve my family and kingdom, be it by commanding troops, holding lands, or marriage to another kingdom.”

Ocellus didn’t reply and to Caecus’s surprise seemed to have a look of understanding. She glanced at her notes.“Um… so any festivals or anything?” she asked.

“Well, there is the Feast of Lux, the spring and autumn fairs, tournaments that are held in honour of important days, or by one of the great lords who wishes to host one. Other than those only days of fasting and prayer, and mostly those are held for the honoured dead.” Caecus answered.

“I see.” The changeling seemed a bit lost in thought. Ocellus’s eyes seemed to have a hint of deep sadness when she looked at Caecus. This was something he took note of.

“What is it that vexes you?” Caecus asked.

Ocellus glanced at her hooves, then to Caecus.

“It… it’s just you seem like you could use some friends, and…” The changeling seemed to be fighting agest her shy and timid nature, looking to her hooves more than once. “So would you like to join my friends and me on a hike this weekend?”

‘Well I have nothing better to do, so it couldn’t hurt. That and it would be pleasant to have somepony to talk to.’ Caecus thought. “Very well, I see no harm in joining you and your companions on this hike. For now, let us focus on this project.”

The changeling smiled a bit, as she took hold of one of the books in her magic. “Okay, so how much do you know on Okahaven?”

Caecus laughed a bit, “Well, it seems I’ll need to find a book, as I never had reason to learn much of Okahaven or the family that rules it.”

Sorry, this chapter took so long.