AMORE OBBLIGATO

Chapter 15: A Battuta

What am I even doing here?

…

Why come here of all places?

…

I have all of Canterlot at my fingertips, and I come here?

…

There must be something wrong with my head. Twilight shook her head, but continued to stare at the building with mixed emotions. This is ridiculous. It's just a building; a building that I've been in countless times before. Who cares if some of the most traumatic moments of my life occurred here, some of my happiest memories happened here as well. Surely, that counts for something. Still, her body refused to move, and her mind refused to come out of the mire of past memories, all bad.

A foal bumped into her from behind as he dashed towards the building, jarred her free of her self-imposed paralysis. She nodded to the colt, who gave her an apologetic nod, but didn't stop his headlong rush. She took a deep breath, and released it in a great sigh. She straightened her posture, squared her shoulders, and walked towards the building.

The inside had changed very little in the eight years since she had last set hoof in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It was fairly empty, being a Satyrday afternoon, but there were still some faculty and staff roaming the halls. Twilight nodded to those who saw her, but didn't stop to chat, other than to give a quick greeting. She made her way up to the fourth floor, where the senior classes were held and stopped at the science lab.

Through the partially open door, she could hear the voice of one of her favorite teachers giving instructions. “Now, carefully inscribe the rune pattern I laid out for you on the chalkboard. Remember that it has to be deep, but not so deep that you shatter the gem.”

Twilight smiled and quietly knocked on the door as she peeked through. “Professor Crucible?”

The teacher turned to the door, and a wide smile broke out on her face. “As I live and breathe, Twilight!” She walked forward and embraced the smaller unicorn, then held her at arm's length to get a good look at her. “Look how much you've grown! Your head didn't even reach my chin when you graduated, and now you're... still a bit short!” She playfully patted her head, which was still just below eye level to her.

Twilight smirked and pushed her hand away. “And here I was, going to congratulate you on finally getting your PhD.”

“Would have had it yonks ago had I not gotten so into teaching,” Crucible replied, obviously unhurt by the comment. “What brings you back? Did you forget a project, and came back to make sure it doesn't swallow Canterlot?”

“Thankfully, no. Just came to see the Princess, my parents, and revisit my old stomping grounds.” Twilight looked around at the room full of students bent over their work, intently engraving runes onto gems as big around as the tip of a mechanical pencil eraser. Jeweler's loops were held in one eye, which they took out only to confer with the diagram on the chalkboard. She looked at the diagram and pointed toward it. “Auto-shield enchantment?”

Crucible nodded. “They're finally ready for it. Quickest group I've had since yours.”

Twilight grasped her chin with a thumb and forefinger, and walked over to the chalkboard. Crucible grinned, as she recognized the look in her former student's eyes. The younger mare slid the chalkboard sideways along the rails, revealing a clean board behind it, and picked up a new stick of chalk in her magic. Still in the same pose, she copied the rune pattern in quick, deft strokes, then began making calculations around it. The other students halted their work, and watched as this strange, new mare broke the sacred law, and wrote on Crucible's chalkboard, uninvited.

The calculations became more intensive and crowded, almost seeming to be excited to be revealed for the first time, until Twilight slid the first chalkboard further aside to reveal instructions for Moonday's classes, which were carelessly erased, causing the foals to gasp, and a few to duck under behind their stations for the coming explosion form their teacher. Crucible, however, just stood there, her grin becoming wider as she watched Twilight work, seemingly oblivious to the outside world.

There was a knock on the doorway as an old stallion walked in. “Cruce, did you hear- oh! I guess she beat me here.” He walked over to Crucible and examined the calculations that were now coming at a rapid pace. “I say! Is she actually trying to improve on Star Swirl's auto-shield enchantment?”

“More than trying, I'd say, Old Bean,” Crucible said as she bit her thumbnail. She was so giddy, that it was only with a supreme effort that she was able to stop herself from bouncing around the room in excitement.

The second board full, Twilight's magic moved the top board back to the left to get at the board beneath it and continue her calculations. Old Bean's horn lit up as he conjured a small bird. He looked over to the students nearest the window and said, “Chrome Veneer, open that window for me, please?” A well-muscled filly of about sixteen years nodded and opened the window next to her, allowing the bird to fly out. The animal split into seven before scattering in different directions, and Old Bean nodded his thanks to the filly.

The gathered ponies watched as Twilight finally filled up all the boards, even erasing Crucible's original diagram, not once changing her thoughtful pose. The only movement from her physically was the sharp swishing of her tail. Gradually, more ponies appeared at the door and were quietly waved into the room to watch in awe as the young mare worked her magic. The room was packed pretty tightly, with several more in the hallway, trying to peer into the room. The gathered crowd held their breath as the chalk slowed to a stop for a moment, then Twilight nodded, and went back to her original diagram. She never heard the quiet gasps as the transposed two major runes and slightly altered all the connecting runes, adding an additional sub-rune to the apex rune.

Setting down the nub of chalk on the rail, she regarded her work once more and nodded. “There. That's been bugging me for years.” She was startled by thunderous applause from her audience. She turned around in confusion.

Crucible stepped up and looked over her work. “Interesting. On the surface, I can see why you attached Uruz to Thurisaz, but won't that make it weaker when the enchantment is laid by a female?”

“That's why I left Isa to the left of it, and switched Pertho and Algiz, so that Pertho will stand in opposition on the circle, and Algiz can continue it's work next to Thurisaz,” Twilight explained. “With the other runes in their current position, the auto-shield enchantment will function as it did before, but the shield will be stronger and cost less energy as Pertho and Uruz-Thurisaz synergize.”

Crucible turned around to face the class and put an arm around Twilight's shoulders. “New lab, class! Finish your gems with the enchantments pattern I put up earlier. Then, I'll pass out new gems, so that we can try out Miss Sparkle's new chain. After that, We'll test both out in the yard!” She looked at all the adults as if noticing them for the first time, and angrily walked forward, waving her arms about. “All of you, shoo! If you're not my student, then get out! We have work to do!” The fiery teacher's reputation soon had the adults wandering off, some giving Twilight a thumbs up or a wave as they left. Twilight herself was about to leave when Crucible's hand on her shoulder stopped her. “Aren't you eager to see the results?”

Twilight's smile was as wide as the teacher's own.

(\ /)

( . .)

*(“)(“)

Sipping quietly from her cup of steaming tea, Twilight gave a sigh of satisfaction.

“Well, that was an interesting lab.”

Twilight nodded at Crucible's words. “I certainly wasn't expecting such a vigorous reaction to that one filly's gem. What was her name? Chrome Veneer?”

Crucible nodded and smiled as she picked another bit of burned leaf from her lab coat. “Yes, she's one of my strongest students- at least, from this crop, anyway. An interesting reaction to making Thurisaz smaller than Pertho, though. I wonder if her being female was a factor in the violence of the reaction, or if it was the fact that the bolt came from a colt?”

“Hmm... hard to say. We would need to run some tests to be sure,” Twilight replied. “Perhaps using the university's shielded room, if we could wrangle it.”

Taking another swallow of her tea, Crucible gave a noncommittal shrug. “Might have a bit of trouble, there. The waiting list for that room is longer than my arm.”

Twilight gave a thoughtful look out the window to Crucible's office. “If you like, you can have my scheduled time next month. I have three days per season reserved for me, but honestly, I didn't have anything major planned for the autumn, and I was just going to see if anypony at Uni wanted them. At least this way, it'll still be something I had a hand in, so to speak.”

“That's very generous of you, Twilight. Thank you. We'll be sure to make the most of it,” Crucible said. Setting down her cup, she selected a Fig Newt from a plate between them and nibbled on it. “So, have you heard anything about... her?”

Still looking out the window, Twilight replied, “If by her, you mean Honeyed Words practically running Neigh Orleans now, despite not being allowed to set hoof into Canterlot? Yeah, I heard. Hard to miss the whispers.”

Crucible shook her head. “No, not that.” She waited until Twilight's curious face turned her way before unleashing her bombshell. “Her parents are finally having another child.”

Twilight's confused expression stayed in place as she considered this information. When realization of the implications finally dawned on her, she couldn't help the small smile that found its way to her lips. “Oh, my. Do you mean...”

“There's going to be a new heir apparent for the right honorable Marquis,” Crucible said with a vindictive smirk. She had never liked what was revealed when it came out that Honeyed Words was essentially coasting along in Twilight's wake. “When it comes time to pass on the mantle of Marquis of Neigh Orleans, the name attached will not be hers.”

Twilight's light chuckle brought a full grin to Crucible's face. “Oh, my. I know I shouldn't take delight in the misfortune of others...”

“But this is one time where it's not only deserved, but self-inflicted,” the teacher finished for her. “Besides, if ever there was a pony who could be excused for a bit of schadenfreude in all this, it's you.”

“I guess Neigh Orleans will be getting a reprieve soon, as well.”

Crucible nodded. “Not for almost two decades, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel.”

A sudden thought occurred to Twilight and she paused before she asked, “What about... Tight Rein? Has she ever...”

Crucible shrugged. “As far as I can tell, she hasn't left Honeyed Words' side once. I'll say this for the filly, she's loyal. A shame it wasn't directed towards a more deserving pony.”

Twilight's expression turned melancholic as she stared into her still warm cup of tea. “I wish I had handled it differently. Had I known then, what I know now, I might have been able to prevent them from- ow!”

She was interrupted by Crucible gently bopping her on the head with her knuckles hard enough to smart, but not leave lasting damage. “Now that I have your attention again, allow me to give you two more lessons before you go. First-” she held up a finger as she counted off the lessons. “You are only responsible for your own actions. That scene in the movies where the villain holds up the trigger for a bomb, or is pointing a sword at a hostage, and telling the hero that he responsible for what happens? Total roadapples. Anypony doing that is just trying to shift the responsibility, and is either a coward or truly evil. Second,” a second finger joined the first, “You can't save everypony. Some would rather smack away a hand offered in good faith and suffer the consequences, than live with the knowledge that they needed to be saved. There comes a time when you just have to let them crash and burn in their own way.”

Twilight looked back out the window and sighed. “I'm not sure I can accept that last lesson,” she said sadly.

(\ /)

( . .)

*(“)(“)

It was well past sunset when a smiling Twilight finally walked past the perpetually open gates to the family manor. She hummed to herself as she walked up the (relatively) short path to the mansion itself, and walked in without knocking. Orderly Fashion, the family butler who happened to be walking past at that moment, bowed to her. “Young Miss Sparkle. Young Master Spike has arrived with your belongings, and they've been left in your room.”

“Thank you, Order,” Twilight replied fondly. She inhaled deeply and smiled. “It's good to be home again. I presume Spike and my parents are in the parlor, awaiting dinner?”

The elder stallion nodded, and produced a small whisk broom from a pocket to brush off some errant bits of singed grass from her shoulders. “You presume correctly, Young Miss. In honor of your unannounced arrival, Rose Hips has been in the kitchen since word of your arrival reached the Lady Velvet's ears, cooking both yours and Young Master Spike's favorite dishes. She will be imminently pleased to see you here to actually enjoy them.”

Twilight gently pushed away the whisk broom, and rolled her eyes. “Alright, Order, your point is well taken. Consider me chastised. I'll be sure to have Spike send a note when I know I'm coming over.”

“As you say, Miss,” Orderly Fashion replied with a small sniff, but relented his mild browbeating, and lead her to the parlor.

She was greeted enthusiastically by Velvet and Night Light (and a little less so from Spike, who quickly hid a fist sized ruby behind his back). “Mom! Daddy! I've missed you!” Twilight stepped forward and into the waiting arms of her parents.

“We've missed you, too, Twily,” Night Light said as his arms embraced both his daughter and his wife.

Velvet buried her face in her daughter's hair to hide her tears, but jerked back suddenly. “Twily, dear, why do you smell like burned grass?”

Twilight backed out of the embrace and looked away, a light blush forming on her cheeks. “Oh. I um, was walking past The School on my way home, and stopped in to say hello to a few teachers, but ended up getting roped into an experiment Prof. Crucible was running. I'll tell you about it over dinner.”

Orderly Fashion knocked on the door and opened it. “Dinner is served.”

Night Light gave a short bark of laughter. “Speaking of.” He ruffled Twilight's mane as he walked by to the dining room.

Velvet kissed her cheek as she passed, a bounce in her step. Spike was about to walk past, when Twilight grabbed the ruby from Spike's back pocket, much to his dismay. “You may have it back for dessert, but not until your plate is clean, mister.” She held it up, and noted the sizable chunk bitten out of it. “I think an extra helping of broccoli is in order, to make up for all these gems. Mom and Daddy don't know how many of these you've been eating, lately.”

“Aw, Twi...”

“Moderation in all things, Spike. Moderation,” she quoted as she walked into the dining room, pocketing the gem. She failed to notice Spike stuff a hand in one pocket and feel around for a small bag of white opals given to him by Night Light with Velvet's approval, and smile.

(\ /)

( . .)

*(“)(“)

Vinyl tried desperately to catch her breath. She looked up from her position, bent over double, hands on her knees, and tried to find Octavia. She needn't have bothered, as she had left a trail of affronted ponies in her wake, all talking about the gray mare who had rudely shoved past them without so much as an “excuse me”. They had both run out of politeness hours ago. Now, the lamplighters were making their rounds, lighting the streetlights with their magic, while ponies went about their business.

Vinyl spotted a small grocer that had a wooden tub filled with bottled water cooling in ice for sale, and pulled out a handful of bits to buy two. She smiled at the sight of Octavia walking back to her, disappointed eyes downcast. The normally prim mare was nearly unrecognizable. Her mane was in complete disarray, she had the top two buttons on her blouse undone, and her pink bow tie hung loosely from her neck. A sheen of sweat glistened in the evening glow of the streetlamps, causing Vinyl's heart to skip a beat. Dammit. Stop being so... you, Octy. She proffered one of the water bottles without a trace of the conflicted feelings in her head. “Here. You look like you need this more than I do.”

Octavia gratefully took the bottle and opened it. She drank... and drank... and drank, crushing the plastic bottle as she went, without taking a single breath, until the bottle was empty. Even then, she retained enough of her innate grace to not gasp loudly when the deformed bottle left her lips.

Vinyl stared at her throughout the whole scene, internally groaning at the awesome sight. When she finally took a breath, the unicorn took a few more swallows of water, then dumped almost half of the remaining bottle over her head, seeking to cool off. She half hoped that the other mare was watching her like she did, but when her vision cleared, she noticed that Octavia was back to staring blankly at the passersby while she bit her thumbnail in thought. “Look. Instead of just running off into the night on a wild goose chase, trying to catch a unicorn that knew how to teleport at twelve, why don't we think about the places she might be?”

Heaving a great sigh, Octavia nodded. “Agreed. Had I been thinking clearly from the start, we would have been doing just that.” She paced in front of the grocer, pausing to buy two more water bottles, and handing one to Vinyl, who had just finished her first. “We can eliminate her old school right away. Even if she were there, the gates are closed and locked by now, so we would not be admitted. Likewise, the libraries, though a few book stores may still be open.” She opened the bottle and took a few swallows, then continued her pacing. “No, there are only two places we might find her at this time of night in Canterlot: the palace, and her parents.”

“Do you know where her parents live?” Vinyl asked.

Octavia shook her head. “Neigh. She did not talk to us much about her parents, and I only gave her lessons at the palace or her private apartment.” She paused her pacing and stared into nothing once more. “I wonder...”

“What?”

The gray mare grabbed her wrist and pulled her down the street. “Come. I believe I have an idea that might work.”

“Octy...” Vinyl groaned as she was this time, physically pulled through the streets, instead of just being tethered along by her loyalty to her friends.

(\ /)

( . .)

*(“)(“)

Vinyl gazed around the enormous hallway as she sat on the cushioned bench, which no doubt cost more than she earned all last year. Her eyes fell upon a painting of the princesses dancing in elegant ball gowns, dripping in jewelry, and she wondered how much the artist was paid for that bit of paint splashed onto canvas. That's not really fair. Whoever did this had talent. I could almost swear that they're actually moving.

A blond unicorn stallion walked past her, making a point to turn up his nose as he passed. Vinyl rolled her eyes, but waved at him, which only made him turn his nose up higher. Not being able to see the ground, he tripped over a wrinkle in the rug running the length of the hall, but kept his hoofing. She poorly stifled a laugh, but managed to put on her most innocent look when he turned her way.

The stallion started making his way towards her, but stopped when Octavia appeared along with the guard who had escorted her to see the palace's seneschal. The mare stopped in front of her and held out her hand to help her tired friend stand. “Come along, Vinyl. I was able to secure us a quick meeting with The Princess, but we shall have to be quick about it. Her time is very valuable, you know.”

Turning, she finally noticed the stallion behind her. who apparently recognized her as well. “Oh! Good evening, Prince Blueblood,” she said with a bow of respect. “It is good to see you once more. I am afraid you will have to excuse us, though. We have an appointment with Princess Celestia, and it would not do to keep her waiting.”

Blueblood returned the bow, albeit not as deeply. “Of course, Dame Octavia. Another time, perhaps.” He didn't wait for a reply and walked off graciously.

As she walked briskly down the hall in her friend's wake, Vinyl asked, “You know that stuck up-”

“Show some respect, Vinyl,” Octavia said tersely. “That stallion is the son of the Duke of Canterlot, and has more political power here than any other single pony, save The Princesses. He could ruin us and all our families with but a single word murmured in the right ear. Besides, he is not actually that bad, once you get to know him as well as his boundaries and expectations.”

Vinyl shook her head in amusement. “I'll never know how you manage to get along with this set. But what was that about you being a dame? Since when were you knighted?”

Shaking her head, Octavia replied, “It is a long story, and not really one I can repeat. Let us just say that certain events happened in Prancylvania and leave it at that. Now, you remember your etiquette lessons when meeting royalty?”

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Yes, yes, yes. Bow, do not approach more than three steps away unless invited, call her 'Your Highness' or add 'Princess' to her name.”

With a nod, Octavia said, “I suppose that will have to suffice for now. We really do not have time to go over all the niceties, so it would be best if you just let me do all the talking, or at least, as much as The Princess permits. Just remember to be respectful, and you shall do just fine.”

Vinyl mimed a talking mouth with her hand and rolled her eyes again. “Yes, Mom.”

“I am serious, Vinyl. If you-” She was interrupted by their arrival at Celestia's study, whereupon the guard knocked.

He opened the door and announced in a clear voice, “Dame Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch, Your Highness.” The two mares walked in to find Celestia, in her usual regal dress, rising from her desk and walking over to them.

Octavia bowed low at the waist, elbowing Vinyl in the gut to do the same, as she did so. “Your Highness. It is such a pleasure to see you in person once again.”

Vinyl grunted from the blow, and bent over, more from the violent action than any show of obeisance. “Oof. Er, Evening, Princess.”

Celestia smiled as she walked forward and lifted both ponies by the chin until they stood straight. “Dame Melody, I already told you to not stand on ceremony in privacy last year. It's just the three of us, so I must insist you cease the bowing,” she said as she took both of the earth pony's hands into her own.

“Er, yes, Your Highness.” A blush overtook Octavia's cheeks, but she bravely looked up to meet her diarch with her own shining eyes.

The alicorn turned to Vinyl, taking her hands as she did Octavia's, beaming a smile down at her as well. “And you must be Vinyl Scratch. Twilight told me a lot of you as well when she was still a senior in high school. Of course, I've heard more about you from Luna, who seems to a be your biggest fan. She saw your performance at Club 404 in Prancylvania the other day, and came back with yet another copy of your CD.”

“Well, thank you, I-”Vinyl stopped and her eyes went wide as the alicorn's words sunk in. “Wait, Luna? As in, Princess Luna? That Luna? She's a fan?”

Celestia released her hands and gestured to escort them over to a couch in front of the fireplace. “Oh my, yes. I've had to soundproof her room when she installed the six-hoof tall subwoofer for her sound system. We still received complaints from the apartment below hers, so we moved that pony to another, but I daresay that you are easily amongst her favorite deejays, if not her all-time favorite.”

While Vinyl was dumbstruck, Octavia took the initiative. “Princess, I asked to see you for more than a mere catch up session, I am afraid. My ulterior motive was to hopefully get into contact with Twilight again.”

The alicorn considered her words for a moment, then smiled gently. “Why, of course I'd be happy to help you renew your friendship with my Faithful Student, Octavia. I never understood how she could let such a strong relationship lapse in the first place. Even with the distance taken into account, there are still telephones and letters.” She leaned forward, and in a whisper that nopony could have missed had they been in the room, she added, “You know, she was quite enamored with you, as a filly.”

Octavia's entire face went red down to her shoulders as her eyes went wide. “P- P- Princess?”

Celestia rose and walked over to her desk to rummage through her drawers. “I presume that you wanted to get a message to her tonight, am I correct?” She paused her search to look up at the two shocked ponies on the couch, then resumed rifling through her desk to hide a grin. A few more seconds of searching and she pulled out a sheet of parchment. “Ah! Here we are.” She placed the parchment on the desk near the guest chairs and waved them over. “I'm afraid you'll have to use a quill and inkpot, as a pen won't work with this sort of message. It's actually one of the many projects Twilight's been working on for years, but to no avail, sadly. Is that alright with you? Are you familiar with a quill, or would you like to dictate, and I write it for you?”

This shocked Octavia out of her stupor. “Oh no, Princess! I could never dictate to you as if you were a common secretary! I- I'm actually quite adept at calligraphy, which uses a pen not that different from a quill.” She hesitantly took the quill from Celestia, who gave her that same gentle smile.

“I'll just give you two some privacy. When you've finished, I'll be at the balcony.” She rose and opened the tall Fancy doors behind the desk leading out to a small balcony covered in ivy.

Vinyl looked over to Octavia and viciously whispered, “Do you think she meant what we think she meant about Twi?”

Octavia did take her eyes off of the blank sheet of parchment, but chewed on her bottom lip. “Shush! I'm trying to gather my thoughts! This parchment must be special, so I don't want to waste any.” Her whispered reply was just as viciously delivered, and had the desired effect. After a moment, she began scratching away with the quill. The message itself didn't take long, with the earth pony's practiced skill. With a flourish, she signed the letter and sprinkled a bit sand on the ink from the small coffer next to the inkwell. She cleared her throat and called out, “Princess? My letter is finished.”

Celestia returned back into the room, closing the Fancy doors behind her. “Oh, good. You found the sand. I had forgotten to tell you where it was.” She rolled up the parchment without looking at the words, then wrapped a red ribbon around it, sealing it with a dollop of gold wax, and embossed it with her ring. She looked at the two ponies and winked. “Now watch carefully.” She mimed rolling up sleeves that did not exist on her dress. “Nothing up my sleeves. Now a wink,” she winked at them again, “a twitch,” she twitched her nose as if she were about to sneeze, “et voilà!” Her horn glowed with a golden light that also enveloped the scroll, which vanished with a POP! Vinyl clapped loudly, followed a moment later by Octavia, and Celestia bowed to her tiny audience. “Thank you, thank you. You're too kind.”

A clock on the fireplace mantle chimed nine o'clock, and Celestia looked downcast. “It would appear that I must bid you both good night before I turn into a pumpkin.”

Octavia took the hint and rose, dragging Vinyl up by the arm. “Thank you so much for this, Princess. I cannot tell you how much this means to me- to both of us.”

Celestia walked forward and cupped both their faces, which fit easily into her large hands. “Anything for my little ponies; especially if it benefits Twilight.” After the two had bid her goodnight and left, she walked back to the couch and sat down to look into the flames, seeing things that only the Princess of the Sun ever could; things which made her smile. Her vigil was shattered when Luna barged into the room, frantically searching.

“Where is she? A guard told me she was here!”

Smiling serenely, Celestia patted the couch next to her and waited until her sister sat down and took several calming breaths. “I'm afraid you just missed her, Lulu.”

“Oh, bother and bedamned!” the night mare shouted, pounding her fists into the couch seat. “Why didst thou not send for us? Thou knowest how we much we doth admire the Mistress of Spinning Disks!”

Celestia grinned as she pointed towards the mare's chest, which was unusually well covered lately. “One would think you had your fill of her since you got her to autograph your chest the other day.”

Luna batted away the hand, but looked dreamily into the distance. “Oh, would that we couldst have her do more than merely sign our chest!”

Turning her attention back to the fire with a smile, Celestia replied, “Well, dear sister, you may just get that chance.”

(\ /)

( . .)

*(“)(“)

Twilight reluctantly handed over the promised gem to Spike as she dug into her own dessert with gusto. Not many ponies cared for rum raisin ice cream, but between Orderly Fashion and Rose Hips, there was always a small box of it in the Twilight manor. She watched him bite into the ruby and chew with relish.

“You really should go easier on him, Twily, dear. Not a lot is known about the dietary requirements of dragons, so he should be allowed to follow his instincts in that regard,” Velvet said as she sipped from her cup of coffee.

“All the more reason to make sure his diet is varied, Mom,” Twilight replied. “Besides, Spike tends to get a little... round when he indulges too much in gems.”

Spike took offense to that and made it known. “Hey! I do- urp!” He struggled to say something- anything, when a gout of green flames erupted from his mouth, followed by a scroll.

Velvet glared at the offending parchment. And we were having such a lovely dinner with our daughter! Why does she have to butt in?

Twilight's magic quickly enveloped the scroll and floated it over to her. She broke the seal and unrolled it to read. Right away, her brow creased in confusion, which became surprise as she read.

Dear Twilight

I do not know if you remember me, but I was your violin tutor in high school, and considered you one of my very closest friends. I know we have not spoken for a rather long time, but Vinyl and I would very much like to renew our friendship with you. If you are amenable to this, please meet with us at the coffee house, Café Disaffecto on Lawndale street tomorrow at noon.

Your eternal friend,

Octavia Melody

Twilight quietly rolled up the letter and placed it into a pocket on the inside of her blazer.

“What is it, Twily? Do you have to go now?” Velvet's voice hid her anxiety well, but everyone at the table could still hear it.

Shaking her head, Twilight replied, “Nothing urgent, Mom. I'll have to go out for lunch tomorrow, that's all; though I may be late for dinner... again.”

Author's Note

Again, sorry about the long delay for these chappies. My muse, lazybones that she is, is dragging her heels on finishing this one. She keeps wanting to move on to other projects, mostly non-pony stories. If you ever get the urge to read some of those non-pony words, head over to my spot over on AO3, or failing that, the less user-friendly FFN (please use AO3, it's so much better, and my stories are starved for attention there ). Both should be on the links on my profile page.