Luna didn't inquire much further into my mood, and I didn't want to slip up. We walked in silence, with her greatly diminished form swaying in front of me. With her lighter appearance, her mood seemed more cheerful and peaceful. I guess the mental strain that was lifted from her was intense.

My mind eventually lost itself in thought. Without any conversation, I lapsed into thought, including worry that Princess Celestia might not have been very pleased with my preparations. My worry grew more and more until I was broken from my mind by a gentle bump from Princess Luna.

"Well, you did complete your assignment here, Novalis. Well done. Celestia was quite pleased with your preparations."

"You're not mad at me for staying behind?"

"I had hoped my chosen advisor would be more interested in my well-being, and had thought you abandoned me. It was my fault for not showing faith in your judgement."

"No, Your Highness... There is no need to apologize to me..."

"Very well. Putting that aside, you did as I commanded. Your presence in Ponyville is no longer needed, so we shall be returning to Canterlot in the evening, after I have had my rest. During the remainder of the day, you should prepare to leave, including saying good-bye to any friends you may have made."

With no further words, she vanished in a flash of teleportation. Sighing softly, I began to make my way back to Celestia's ceremony. Anyone worth saying good bye to since my stay was already there, and I wanted to get some rest today. I was hoping that my classes with Princess Luna would begin immediately upon our return, and the last thing I needed was to be tired during them.

As I drew closer to the auditorium, I noticed that the music had changed since I had last left. I could hear the familiar thrums and heart pounding bass points that occurred a lot with Scratch's music. I could feel the ground shaking under my hooves as I came closer. Apparently the party was getting into full swing.

Walking into the door, I saw Twilight and her new friends looking extremely pleased. I made my way over to chat with them, and found that Princess Celestia had changed Twilight's assignment to studying friendship. I hoped Luna wouldn't assign such peculiar lessons to me. I knew I was terrible at making friends, but to actually need classes on it would be brutal.

Not wishing to intrude into their circle too long, I made my way over to the DJ booth, where Vinyl was just warming up. I saw Berry Punch and the Spa Sisters, and waved them over as well. Once we were all together, I told them about my impending return to Canterlot. There was some initial protesting from Berry and Vinyl, while the Spa ponies seemed disinterested. Hmm, I suppose I didn't really get to know them enough to make much of an impact. I apologized to them for telling them something they wouldn't care about, and watched as they returned to their makeshift spa.

Turning back to Berry and Vinyl, I saw pouts on each of their faces. Holding up a hoof to stall further objections, and decided to confess. I told them that I would not mind returning and visiting them, but I had two reasons to stay in Canterlot. My family lived there, and I didn't want to leave them just yet. I also confessed my crush on Princess Luna. I explained that everything I was today was because of her. I saw Berry's eyes spark with realization, and I knew that she knew why I hadn't confessed earlier. Finally, as a gift to each of them, I used my magic and some tricks I learned from my father to turn a log, which was only going to be burned anyway, into a couple toys for Berry Pinch and I even crafted a few wooden knick knack music notes for Vinyl. Finishing them with a magical glaze, I handed my gifts over and bid farewell.

As I walked through the town, I took note of how the rising sun slowly illuminated the quiet town. Shadows slowly melted off the gingerbread trim, and the darkened colors lit up vibrantly. Ponies who trickled from the party went into homes and businesses, livening up the place further. On this one day, every pony was infused with a lively essence from our beloved solar princess, allowing us to go through the day without ill effects from the lack of sleep we were sure to have. With little time, Ponyville was bustling away, and the bazaar was in full swing. Ponies haggling over prices so low that ponies in Canterlot would be shocked, vibrant colors everywhere, and a throng of ponies impeding my progress to the library.

Eventually, I made my way back to the library, and came upon Twilight dusting a few books and looking frazzled. Glancing over her checklist, I saw she way reordering the library in an overly detailed layout. Seeing Spike tottering on top of a ladder, I sighed and began to levitate books into shelves. Glancing gratefully over at me, Spike offered a weak smile as he continued shoving books into shelves.

After we finished organizing the library to her perfect standard, Twilight went upstairs and collapsed. I stayed awake and had a casual conversation with Spike. He was so smitten with Rarity it was funny. He spoke of a future family with her, obviously forgetting that someday he would be about twenty times her size. He made a simple lunch for us, with smoked daffodil sandwiches for me and a large sapphire for himself. Finally, yawning, he retired to his basket upstairs in Twilight's room, leaving me in peace so I could finally go to bed.

I collapsed into the bed I had used the night before. As I lay there, I pondered the previous day and the experiences within it. I had made friends, even though I had tried not to. And tonight, I was returning to Canterlot. But deep down, I felt regret for having to leave my new friends...

Author's Note

A special segment just for Author's Notes? Finally! Umm... Hi guys? I don't really have one for this chapter. So I guess I'll just point that I'll probably be moving my other AN's here on the other chapters. Brohoof on y'all, and sorry for the prolonged wait.