Generations-Chapter 5
Generations-Chapter 5The next morning, Sweetsong was finishing up her packing. She hadn't seen or heard from Wysteria all morning. She kept looking out her window, expecting to see her trotting down the cobblestone street, but was always disappointed. She began to question this trip. Other than what some book that was probably two hundred years old said, she knew little to nothing about this place. It may not even exist anymore! Entire islands can sink into the sea. Or what if the atlas is inaccurate? Surely the landmarks aren't going to be exactly the same as they used to be...
"Maybe Wysteria's right. It is dangerous..."
"Of course I'm right!" Wysteria stamped her hoof. She stood in the open doorway. "That's why I've got to go and look after you." Her serious face broke into a smile, and she trotted over to Sweetsong and gave her a big hug. "Besides, I can't let you have all the fun on the beach without me! C'mon! You're not finished packing? Hurry up, let's go!"
Sweetsong shook her head and smiled, "Thanks for coming."
"Yeah well," Wysteria swished her tale and looked out at the town, "Not much around this popsicle stand to convince me to stay."
"Alright, I think I've got everything." The pair headed out the front door and through the picket fence gate. Just as Sweetsong latched it, she remembered something. "Hold on, I've got to go back!"
"Already? We're never gonna get anywhere!" Wysteria teased.
Sweetsong quickly ran back in the house and came out with a book. She showed Wysteria the diary. "I brought the atlas and the history book, but we need some fun reading material too!"
As they walked toward the edge of Ponyville headed north, Sweetsong told Wysteria all about the diary and Twilight and the contents of the chest.
"Oh that is interesting! I thought all you'd been doing this whole time is translating a bunch of textbooks. Why don't you read a few entries while we walk? It'll make the time go faster."
"Happy to!" Sweetsong opened the diary to the next entry and began to read as the town faded into the distance.
Twilight had been studying at the castle library for several weeks now and had a solid foundation for the Rosetta. It was encouraging to see the amount of work she had done, but she knew it would still take her the full year. She had to be completely thorough, then actually write the book, and have it pressed, bound and published.
She stretched and took a little breather and poured herself some hot chocolate. She had fallen into a good routine. Open up the shop early in the morning, sweep the floor and wash the windows. She didn't have the servants anymore to help her with such tasks, but on the other hand, with fewer customers, she had time to the cleaning. Then she would go over the paperwork for the shop and be sure everything was in order. The rest of the day was spent organizing work on the Rosetta from the night before.
She closed the shop at the bell toll of five, and went home. She would eat dinner at home, and pack herself some hot chocolate and soup for later. She'd arrive at the castle at six, and have a short conversation with Sunlight, with whom she'd become friends. She knew her way to the library by now, but he'd usually escort her anyway, just to talk and catch up on the days events. Twilight didn't mind. She had little to no time to socialize with anyone but him (and the rare customer that came into the shop)
She'd work for two hours, have some hot chocolate. Two more hours, then have the soup. And leave two hours later at midnight. She'd get seven hours of sleep before having to rise in the morning and get ready.
This evening she sat drinking her cocoa, and sighed. Only two more days until her day off. She never worked on Sunday. Although she could have gotten a lot done on the Rosetta with a full day's work, she refused, and always took Sunday off of everything.
The library door slammed and Twilight jumped, spilling scalding hot chocolate on herself. Twilight gasped in pain and immediately reached for a tissue to wipe it off, but there were none available.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!" Came a masculine voice. A blue pony with brilliant orange hair ran up to her. "Here, let me help you with that." He pulled out a handkerchief and placed in on her arm, where she had spilled the chocolate. "I didn't know you were here. I'm sorry I startled you," He added, looking her in the eyes.
She was immediately stunned by his eyes. They were deep and meaningful. The fire reflected in them and she was captivated.
She forgot to answer him. "Are you sure you're ok?" He was concerned.
"Oh," She stammered, "Oh yes. I'm sorry."
"No, no. I apologize." He lifted the handkerchief to reveal a large red spot. "That must be very painful. It may blister. Come with me." He led her out of the library and down the corridor.
"Oh no, wait. I'm really not supposed to leave the libra..."
"You won't get in trouble for a medical emergency," he interrupted. "I'll take care of it." Twilight smiled to herself. It was cute how he was being overly helpful, calling a little burn a medical emergency.
The blue pony led her into the kitchen. There were buckets of water along the back wall. They had been brought in from the well as drinking water for the next day, she presumed. He grabbed a bucket and brought it over to her. He knelt on the floor and took her hoof, but then let go, and asked formally.
"If you'll forgive me m'lady, may I take your hand to help with the burn?" She smiled and offered him her hoof. He trickled the cool water across her arm. It felt much better.
He looked up at her again and they locked eyes once more. He was truly a handsome pony. Twilight had never seen anything like him. He was very tall, even though he was kneeling at the moment. His hair reflected the light of the candle and seemed to shine. As he scooped the water slowly from the bucket, she could see his muscles move under his blue coat. He was about her age, maybe a year or two older, but he already had the full feathering on his feet. He must have been an early bloomer, because most stallions her age were just starting to get a little peach fuzz, or were still completely smooth. Those furry feet were kinda sexy.
Twilight blushed at the thought. He cleared his throat and looked away, embarrassed. "So, we'll just bandage this up for you and you'll be as good as new." He used his handkerchief again and tied it around her arm. "Shall I escort you back to the library?"
"Yes, thank you."
As they walked back down the corridor, the pony cleared his throat again. "So, what brings you to the castle library at this time of night?"
"I'm translating the ancient text," she stated briefly. Usually, people could not get her to stop talking about the ancient language once she got started, especially with this new project. But with him, she felt her tongue falter and knew it was best to be brief.
He raised an eyebrow. "Now?"
"Oh! It's uh..." she stammered, "It's pleasant at this time with no one around. I come every evening." 'What is wrong with me?' she thought. 'Why didn't I just say I run the bookstore during the day?' But she knew a small part of her liked the fact that he had said 'm'lady', and she wanted to keep up the illusion of nobility. Besides, she wasn't lying right? And she would never see him again probably so it wouldn't matter.
He chuckled. "No one around except people who startle you and cause you to burn yourself."
"Oh, no. You took very good care of me and I thank you."
They had reached the library. He cleared his throat again. "Shall I stay with you and assist you in your study?"
"Oh thank you, but it's very late, and I should be leaving." What was she talking about? It was barely nine o'clock!
"Then I shall escort you home."
"Oh, no thank you. I will be just fine."
"I insist. A lady should never walk home by herself, especially in the dark."
"But I..."
"Here, let me carry your bag." And he headed out the door. She sighed and drooped her head. Now what?
She followed him out of the castle, through the gates and down the cobblestone path toward the town. She tried to think of an excuse the whole time. The first houses in Ponyville, those closest to the castle, were those of the nobility. As they entered the town, she stopped.
"Thank you sir. My house is just up the street." She reached for her bag, but he pulled it away from her.
"What kind of gentleman would I be if I did not walk you all the way home?" She nodded. They continued down the street but Twilight's pace slowed considerably. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh no! Not at all." She smiled to hide the lie. As they reach the last house of the nobility, she stopped in front of the gate.
"Is this your house?" She just smiled and prayed he didn't know the family. He didn't appear to, and took the smile as a yes. He reached for her hoof, and kissed it. "May I ask your name?"
"Twilight," she answered.
"My name is Prince Barnacle. It was a pleasure to meet you." He turned and walked off, glancing over his shoulder and smiling at her.
As soon as he was out of sight, it dawned on her. Prince Barnacle? Her eyes grew wide and she covered her mouth as she let out a little giggle. She turned and galloped all the way home.