Judge Twilight Sparkle

Twilight reviewed herself in the mirror one last time, checking off the items on the checklist for 'personal presentation' before referring back to triple check the main checklist of checklists. Completely distracted by thoughts of checklists, quills and wondering why she still brought them rather than using her own discarded feathers, Twilight didn't hear the familiar sound of claws on the wooden floor of her home.

"Ready for your first court?" Spike asked

Twilight turned at first with a bit of surprise, but of course her face softened when she saw her familiar friend "Is everything ready?"

"Yep, everythings in place, Rarity did a wonderful job as usual of course!"

"I knew she would" Twilight replied "And how about you?"

"Eager, ready and waiting for you!" Spike replied, puffing his chest out a little to look as grown up as possible.

"Thanks Spike. I'm not sure how I would be coping if not for your support, and the support of all my friends...I'm not sure if I'm ready for all this!"

The pair left golden oaks library, and started trotting through town which seemed quieter than usual. After a few moments of silence, Spike thought it was time to ask the question he had been thinking. "Twilight, given your status, why are you only working in a regular court?"

"You know I didn't want to leave Ponyville and that Princesses can only hold full Royal Court in Canterlot, it's been the law for the past seven hundred and fourty three years!"

"But you're a Princess!" Spike waved his arms almost as wings "How can you settle for just being a regular judge?"

Twilight trotted closer and quickly nuzzled her dragon charge on the move "The law is the law, and besides, I like keeping things simple as I get used to things," and instinctively Twilight rustled her feathers "I mean, Celestia and Luna are thousands of years old, with years of experience. I am 18 years old...I could do with much more experience before tackling a full court. These smaller cases will help me grow as a leader!"

"You do realise who is in the second case of the day, right? Hardly a small case!"

Twilight gulped a little nervously "I know...I think they are only doing it to test me. And like any test I plan to pass with flying colours!"

"Whatever you say, Twilight," Spike

"Thats Princess Sparkle to you, Baillif!" Twilight teased back as they approached their destination.