Twilight had to stand up while Raven added shampoo and conditioner to her tail and washed it out. It had been really uncomfortable standing there while her sibling washed her like a parent washing their baby foal. Now she sat there while Raven scrubbed her with a sponge, feeling no better about it.

“Twilight, you need to relax,” Raven said, “That's what you came here for, remember?”

Twilight grunted in reply. The sponge was removed and Raven sat down.

“What's wrong, Twilight?” she asked, “You know you can tell me anything. I'm not going to report anything you say back to Watcher. I thought we were like sisters?”

Like sisters?! As in: not related? Immediately, all of Twilight's muscles relaxed and she allowed herself to smile. At least she wasn't being washed by her sibling. That was just a creepy thought.

“You're right,” Twilight said, “I'm sorry. I've just been feeling tired lately.”

“I understand,” Raven said, looking relieved, “Don't be afraid to come to me if you need anything.”

Raven reminded Twilight a lot of Shining Armor. Before he had gone off to train in the royal guard full-time, Shining Armor had always been there for her when she needed him. He still was, whenever possible, to the point where they occasionally still met up so he could teach her some personal defense, but she hadn't seen him very much in the past couple of months.

Her sadness must have shown, because Raven raised an eyebrow and asked, “Are you absolutely sure – ack!”

Twilight had lunged over and encompassed the older filly in a sopping wet hug. “Thank you for always being there for me,” Twilight said, keeping her eyes closed so she could pretend she was talking to her brother, “You don't know how much it means.”

Raven patted her on the back gently, saying, “It's okay Twilight. I've always known. You never had to say a thing.”

Twilight let Raven finish and got out. Raven brought each of them a towel and helped Twilight dry off. Twilight had to think hard about her relationship with Shining Armor. Of course she loved him, more than anypony else in that or any other world, but… would she be happier with an older sister? How could she know? Didn't Shining Armor exist in this world, or was Princess Twilight an only child?

So many possibilities and only a day and a half left to explore them all. She'd certainly have to plan more trips to this world in the future. Getting to spend more time with a sister she never had would just be an added bonus.

Mrs. L came in as Raven was still drying herself off. “You look like you had a good time,” she mused playfully. Raven just stuck her tongue out at the older mare, causing Twilight to giggle. Mrs. L turned to her and added, “And you look like you're feeling better.” Twilight nodded in agreement.

“She's all yours, Mrs. Lavender,” Raven said.

Lavender! That was it! Her name was Lavender Scent. Twilight couldn't believe she'd forget – wait, what? She was leaving Raven?

Her expression must have betrayed her feelings, because Raven told her, “Don't worry, Twi, you can come see me tomorrow if you have the spare time. I'll be right here all day.” She nuzzled Twilight affectionately, which struck Twilight as both awkward (they had just met, after all) and yet comforting. It was certainly a lot more intimate than how Shining Armor would have behaved.

“Goodbye,” Twilight said, turning to follow Mrs. Lavender.

“I'm going to do your mane,” Lavender Scent explained, “and since we're short on time, I'm going to have another pony do your hooficure while I work on your tail. Is that okay?”

“That's fine,” Twilight told her.

She had occasionally gone to the spa every now and then, but it was always treated as a special occasion. This all seemed so… rushed, routine, almost mundane. It was so odd. But if she got a free hooficure out of it, who was she to complain?

It just didn't seem like the ideal environment to relax in is all.

♦ ◊ ♦

Levitation was labeled as a Class III spell, the highest class of beginner spells, despite it being one of the first things a unicorn learns to do. According to Twilight's notes, the reason is because it takes a constant drain on a unicorn's magic. But in reality is was still very simple.

It was something Princess Twilight was not very good at.

That was something she wanted to correct while she was here.

Sadly, the notes explained how levitation worked, but didn't give much advice beyond “keep practicing”. That was mildly distressing, considering how detailed Twilight's other notes were. She moved an inkwell in front of her and concentrated on it. Channelling all her energy, she tried wrapping the inkwell in her magic. A fragile purple aura surrounded it.

Good so far.

Taking a deep breath, she tried with all her might to lift it. The inkwell began to levitate, rising a few centimeters before halting its ascent and wavering. Princess Twilight redoubled her effort, getting it to raise a few more centimeters before it fell. The cap burst open on impact and ink spilled everywhere.

“Oh no, no, no,” Princess Twilight muttered, looking over the damaged parchments. “There has to be a cleaning spell in this mess somewhere.” If there was, though, the room was too cluttered for her to locate anything. She looked sadly at the ruined scrolls, whispering, “I'm sorry, Twilight. There's nothing I can do.”

Some of the ink had splashed on her as well. “I hope there's a bathroom nearby,” she muttered, “I'd hate to get lost again just trying to clean up.”

♦ ◊ ♦

After her hair and hooves were done, both looking quite nice too, Lavender Scent brought Twilight back to the front room where Raven and an elaborate dress was waiting for them. Twilight tried to do as she was instructed in order to get into the darn thing while Raven stood behind her, trying to tie the dress on once it was in place.

“Ow!” Twilight exclaimed as Raven pulled the strings tighter.

“I'm sorry, Twilight,” she replied, “This dress is kind of complicated.”

“It's okay,” Twilight assured her, wincing at the pain as she pulled again.

“Watcher will be here any minute,” Lavender Scent warned them. She was pushing Twilight's hair into a fancy upward position, “How does that look, princess?”

“That's good, Mrs. Lavender. Thank you.”

“Can I have a clothespin?” Raven asked. Lavender Scent just sighed and got in closer to help.

Finally Twilight slid her boots and brace back on. She had forgotten how heavy the darn thing was. And how itchy, too.

“He's coming,” Lavender Scent said. Raven scurried away, a look of barely-hidden fear growing over her face. Twilight's own stomach turned in reply. If her surrogate sister was frightened of Watcher, Twilight couldn't be particularly sure that she herself was safe in his presence.

The dark orange unicorn approached and glanced over the outfit Twilight was wearing. Having his eyes linger over her like that made Twilight feel even less comfortable. But he simply nodded and exchanged a few parting words with Lavender Scent. The blatant animosity in their voices did not ease Twilight's fears in the slightest.

She went with Watcher, careful not to stand too close to him. She didn't recognize these hallways, making her wonder where they were headed to if not the regular dining room. But she didn't dare ask.

“Did you get a chance to relax?” he asked her.

She jumped at the sound of his voice, but quickly recovered. “I did,” she answered.

“You seem a little tense.”

“I'm feeling fine, Father Watcher,” she insisted.

Watcher stopped in his tracks, causing Twilight to freeze in panic.

“Twilight,” he said, “I've told you just to call me Father, alright?”

“Yes… Father,” Twilight acknowledged.

“Very good,” Watcher said, smiling unconvincingly, “Now let's hurry. And remember, keep your head high. It's unbecoming to slouch.”

Surprisingly, Watcher brought Twilight to the main ballroom where a series of tables was set up for a dinner party.

“Because Princess Celestia hasn't returned,” Watcher began, “You will be sitting in her chair instead of your own for tonight. Remember that you represent the royal family, and your peers will judge you harshly.”

Twilight only nodded, speechless at what she was hearing. Celestia's large, ornate dining chair was set up at the head of the center table. Twilight had always been so curious, but never dared to sit in it even once.

“Twilight, answer me when I speak to you.”

“Yes, I understand… Father.”

“Very good. Let us proceed.”

Twilight had always imagined this: getting to eat with the adults at a proper party. What were they celebrating? It didn't matter, she was here! And she got to sit in the big chair itself! She could barely contain her enthusiasm. She almost let out a squeal of delight, but Watcher breathing down her neck reminded her that she needed to be inconspicuous.

Everypony's eyes were on her. Twilight gulped and tried to slide onto the chair as gracefully as possible. She almost slipped, but managed to catch herself. The table almost came up to her chin, on account of just how tall Celestia was, but Twilight managed to stretch herself into a sitting position that seemed to work well enough, resting her hooves on the table to support herself.

“Keep your hooves off of the table,” Watcher whispered hurriedly from his seat beside her. Twilight obliged, struggling to stay sitting up without them. It was such an unnatural position, and it made her back hurt.

Twilight glanced around at the different ponies assembled. They must have made up Canterlot's first class citizens in this world. There wasn't anypony she recognized, not that it made a difference.

“Stop fidgeting.”

Twilight shrunk a little in her chair.

“Don't slouch.”

Twilight straightened up, grinding her teeth.

The mare on the other side of her turned to her and asked, “So, young Princess Twilight, is Princess Celestia still away on business?”

Twilight glanced over to Watcher, who gave her a slight nod. Returning her gaze to the pony she was speaking to, Twilight answered as politely as she could, “Yes ma'am, she's still away.”

“Dealing with those ruffians in the north,” the stranger continued pompously, “She will put them in their place, don't you worry. Your teacher has had more than enough experience to take care of herself.”

Twilight bit her tongue to avoid snapping at her, but the stranger had already turned away. Watcher was looking at her, however. He no doubt saw the angry expression on her face before she could wipe it off. He didn't say anything, but disapproval seemed to radiate from his direction.

The first course was soup. Twilight could smell it a ways away, and it made her realize just how hungry she really was. She hadn't eaten since breakfast, and after all the day's excitement her stomach was crying out for sustenance. She watched as the waiters delivered food to the other guests, but none came for her. One would think that the residing princess would have been given top priority, but Twilight managed to avoid grumbling about it.

Somepony did come up from behind her, levitating her soup from a cart and placing it before her. Twilight eagerly grabbed her spoon in her magic and tried to levitate it. Before she could move it more than a centimeter, though, it was grabbed in someone else's magic and pushed back to the table. It was Watcher, who was living up to his namesake by glaring at her.

Everypony was looking towards the end of the tables. An earth pony in a collared cloak was standing there, ready to say something. Twilight recognized her as a church official, but couldn't guess why she was here. Everypony closed their eyes and bowed their heads, Twilight following suit. Much to her surprise, the church pony began a prayer!

Twilight had to remind herself that this was a different world, with much different customs than she was used to. This had never happened to her in her own world. Granted, she'd never been to a fancy party, but she did occasionally eat in the main dining hall instead of with the castle staff in the mess hall, and there was never a prayer during those dinners.

She peeked and glanced around. Everypony, even Watcher, was actively engaged in the moment. When it was done, they all chanted an “amen” and their dinner officially began. Some ponies began by going for their soup, while most started up quiet conversations with the ponies sitting near them. Twilight looked to Watcher, who had picked up his own spoon. She did as well, eating the soup as quickly as she could without looking sloppy.

When the soup was done, a salad took its place. She consumed it heartily as well, as disappointingly small as it was. When she was done, an unknown stallion approached her, escorted by a royal guard, and spoke to her.

“Princess Twilight,” he began, bowing slightly, “It is an honor. I am here on behalf of the Canterlot Orphanage. It was our hope that you would grace us with your presence again this year. The children sincerely enjoy your visits.”

“Oh… oh yes, of course, I'd love to come,” Twilight told him, smiling warmly.

He returned the smile, bowing once more and saying, “Thank you, your majesty,” before walking off.

After a moment, Watcher said, “You really should not have agreed to that without consulting me first.”

“I'm sorry,” Twilight lied. He looked expectantly at her, so she added, “Father.”

“Just try not to do it again.” He seemed more than a little unhappy at her behavior. Twilight told herself to hold her tongue for a while.

After the salad was a piece of cake. It was a small piece of cake, and Twilight took great care in trying to make it last as long as she could. Not because she wanted to stay there in Watcher's presence, but because chocolate cake was a rare treat and she wanted to enjoy it as much as she could while she had the chance.

After the guests had gone, many of them stopping by to pay Twilight their respects, Watcher took her through the halls back to the baths. He warned her that she only had about half an hour until bedtime before giving her up to Lavender Scent. Mrs. Lavender helped her out of her outfit and got the bath prepared for her. Raven was gone, but a new attendant was there to scrub her down involuntarily. Despite this, she tried her best to relax in the warm water.

Afterwards, she discovered that Mrs. Lavender had already put away her brace and boots. She was given a robe and Mrs. Lavender wished her a good night. She returned the gesture and left with the royal guards. Watcher must have already retired for the night. The guards escorted her down more halls she hadn't seen before today and to one door in particular. Twilight entered, and her jaw dropped.

This room was huge. At least ten by twenty meters, if she had to guess. A bed far larger than Twilight herself would ever be was pushed up against the wall, and the opposite wall was comprised entirely of windows, through which Twilight could see her personal balcony. The room faced east, allowing her to wake up with the sunrise in the morning. Two dressers and a luxurious vanity took up some of the extra space, as well as a small desk probably used mostly for writing letters, judging by the setup. And the carpeting was so soft against her hooves. The room was lit up by a chandelier hanging from the ceiling which used proper magical Sunstones instead of those dull blue Illumination Stones.

Twilight closed the doors behind her and stood there for a while, taking it in. Finally, she just had to sit down and laugh. Sliding off the robe, she quickly rushed into the bed, noting how soft and cool the sheets and blankets were.

She was asleep before she could figure out how to turn off the light.

♦ ◊ ♦

A small plate lay on the edge of the desk. Princess Twilight was doing her best to finish the scroll she was on, but it was getting harder to concentrate.

The maid who had brought her that sandwich had been really nice about it.

Just had to try one more spell before bed. She could do it.

Apparently this world's Twilight regularly ate with the castle staff, and when they noticed her gone they had sent someone with food for her.

The princess failed to suppress a yawn.

She'd already accomplished quite a bit. Maybe she could call it a night. Learning that concussive blast had taken a lot out of her.

No, she could stay awake for just one more spell. Just one more.

A little while later, the light from the Illumination Stones just kind of faded and died, casting Princess Twilight into complete darkness, her head still laying across the parchment where she had fallen asleep.

♦ ◊ ♦

Normally Watcher would not be up so late. He sat at his desk, not moving, not reading anything. He was simply thinking. Princess Twilight's behavior over the latter course of the day, particularly dinner, had upset him. She knew better than that. What had happened after lunch to change her? She started forgetting the simplest of rules and regulations he had taught her!

But that wasn't what worried him. If it was something that simple, he would have simply scolded her and been done with it.

Sitting on the desk was a large glass bottle of a black liquid. Carefully, he poked at the jar with his magic. The liquid inside reacted, indicating that it was still alive. And he could still sense its presence with his magic.

He had been slipping the substance into Princess Twilight's food and drink ever since she came on as Princess Celestia's apprentice. And up until now he had never had a hard time detecting it. If the amount in the container was still alive, then the rest of it should be fine inside of its host. So why couldn't he sense it anymore?

He knew it must have something to do with the way she was acting.

Watcher got up and began walking around the room. His office was large, large enough to function as his magic lab where he performed his experiments, and the equipment was scattered around the various tables and cubbies. He must have had a container he could use. At one point his eyes settled on a beaker, but he disregarded it pretty quickly.

After a few minutes of fruitless searching, he returned to his desk and pulled out his leather flask. Quickly emptying its contents in the sink and magically sterilizing the inside of it, he returned to his desk and carefully poured in as much of the thin liquid into it as he could, careful not to spill a drop.

He set that aside and went back to thinking, occasionally prodding the large container with his magic some more to watch it squirm. Eventually he returned it to the safe where he stored it and took the flask with him as he left.

Author's Note

Can you tell I don't use the metric system often?

This wasn't originally going to be a two-part chapter, but it ran much longer than I thought it would. I think I have the rest all sorted out, though, so this should be the only one, not that it makes much of a difference.