Author's Note

Hello readers forgive the long delay as my schedule of late had turned into a few weeks of 7 12 hour days leaving little time to write. Enjoy, and thank you for reading =)

Chapter 8 - Making Connections part I

Chapter 8

Making Connections Pt I

Two hours into a night of much needed sleep, Braxton's keen senses picked up movement in the house. Awakening instantly, he picked up the distinctive sound of a light-stepping female with something dragging behind her as she walked. Curious but not too worried, Braxton cracked open one eye to gaze out over the darkened room in the black and white spectrum.

To his surprise, it was Lyra wrapped in a blanket and as he watched, she quietly made her way to him. She looked out the broken door and gave a soft sigh before sitting down on the floor beside him, leaning against the couch where Braxton slept.

“She seems quite taken with you, brother,” Kylnn Ka' Tar said as she rested on the top of the couch, in easy reach if needed.

“Indeed. She hasn't slept yet, has she?” Braxton summarized with his thoughts, noting how Lyra looked like she had been through an emotional wringer.

“No Braxton, she hasn't. Her surface thoughts and fears are keeping her awake. She keeps thinking none of this is real and Princess Luna is just giving her this dream to comfort her.” Kylnn Ka' Tar informed him in a gentle tone. “I suspect she comes to you now because she only feels safe in your presence.”

Braxton smiled and his hand came to rest upon Lyra's shoulder. She jumped at first, but his comforting hand didn't move as she looked over to him.

“I'm sorry. Did I wake you?” Lyra whispered guiltily.

“No, you didn't, Lyra,” Braxton said in a soft gentle tone. “Truth be told, I’m having as much trouble sleeping as you.”

“I’m sorry,” Lyra said again, leaning her cheek upon Braxton's hand. In response, Braxton turned his hand so that the back of his fingers caressed her cheek as Lyra tried desperately not to cry.

She even succeeded until Braxton spoke again. “The threat against you and Bon Bon is over, Lyra Heartstrings. You are both safe now.”

Unable to hold it back any longer, Lyra turned awkwardly to try to hold Braxton, she on the floor and he on the couch. Clutching his hand to her, she began to quietly release all the emotions she had pent up over the last three days, sobbing softly against Braxton’s arm. Unable to speak, Lyra could feel Braxton shift from the couch to the floor, allowing her to she hold him in her arms.

“Lyra,” Braxton quietly said but Lyra shook her head hard.

“Braxton, please,” Lyra sobbed. “Please, don't you understand… Just… Just let me hold you for a while. I know how weak I must look to you, but… I need to know you’re here. That you’re here and this is really over. Because right now… I’m afraid if I fall asleep I’ll wake up to find that this was all a dream and Bon Bon is dead.”

Relenting, Braxton wrapped the blanket around her then folded Lyra into his arms, holding her head to his chest and gently rocking her. Lyra listened to his heartbeat, her cries finally stilling as the gentle rhythm lulled her to sleep at long last.

Once she had finally nodded off, Braxton returned to his meditations, only to be interrupted again. “I sense the presence of a powerful mind probing us, brother. Use caution.” Kylnn Ka' Tar whispered softly.

Acknowledging the warning, Braxton continued to meditate, playing possum until he could feel the room shift around him to a open field under a beautiful starry night sky, Lyra Braxton still held within his arms though they were now leaning against a tree trunk and not the couch. “I know you are here. You may as well show yourself,” he called into the dreamscape, guessing who it was but giving her a chance to come forth before calling her by name.

In response, Luna herself slowly materialized from one of the stars in the night sky to alight before him on large royal blue pegasus wings. “We have had two encounters with you, Braxton Zeddmore. And each time you have astounded us.”

“What are you doing in my thoughts, Princesses Luna?” Braxton asked with caution.

“We apologize for the intrusion. We are not here to view your dreams, but rather, to look over our little pony Lyra Heartstrings.” Luna looked over to the sleeping mare, noting a soft smile of contentment upon Lyra's face. “You spoke of earning trust before? Well, we wished to see for ourselves your inner thoughts. Fear not, we are sure to stay upon our best behavior within your lucid dream,” Luna added with a smile of her own. “‘Tis your dream, and thus your own rules, after all.”

Braxton nodded to Luna in respect. “Perhaps, but this is also your realm and your world, and therefore I am but your humble guest within it, Princess Luna.”

He knew he’d chosen his words well when Luna stood up a little straighter, looking from Lyra to Braxton after a moment.

“We sense that although young Lyra isn't dreaming, and that she feels completely safe in your presence. In the short time she has known you, ‘tis clear that strong feelings have already grown within her. If we may, while our names were exchanged en passant, please allow us to introduce ourselves properly. We are Princesses Luna Alcyone. Keeper of dreams and Princess of the Night,” Luna said giving a respectful nod of her head towards Braxton.

“Braxton Zeddmoore, wayward War Mage. I would bow to you, honored Princess, but that would be somewhat difficult given I am both sitting and my arms are a little full,” he offered with a wry grin.

Luna favored Braxton with another smile. “‘Tis of no concern. We do offer you some news, however. The two surviving stallions that broke in here tonight will be interrogated and then punished severely for their transgressions. Will also plead thy case to my sister, Princess Celestia. She will not be pleased to hear that two of her little ponies have come to harm and will demand a full accounting of these events.”

Braxton looked to Lyra and then back to Luna with a look that seemed to scream 'You have got to be fucking kidding me?' Still, he said nothing letting the nocturnal monarch to finish before he opened his mouth.

Despite his discretion, his reaction did not go unnoticed. “Fear not, Braxton Zeddmore. When my sister sees the thought orbs she will know of your heroism and that you protected many before those beasts could run amok. But we must ask thee… just what in Tartarus were they?”

“They are called Hellhounds,” Braxton started as he willed a facsimile of one of the beasts into his dreamscape. As if sensing them, Lyra began to whimper softly and her hands clung tighter and tighter to Braxton in the dream.

“Hellhounds, you say?” Luna repeated. “We have seen many vile creatures in our long life, but those are new, even to us.”

This time, a restless Lyra spoke up before Braxton could. “They stand thirty-five inches at the shoulder, average weight one hundred and eighty pounds. Charcoal black teeth and markings. Silent hunters, summoned from otherworldly realms. They breathe fire and smell of brimstone… Braxton… where are you?” Lyra began to panic at the visage before her as it began to feed on her fear.

Braxton gently took one of Lyra's hands in his and mentally dismissed the creature, reassuring Lyra it was not real and that she was safe. He began rocking her again, he and Luna watching as the unicorn mare calmed back down to a peaceful rest.

“By the moon, where did Lyra learn of that creature?” Luna asked, looking to Braxton who seemed to be deep in thought and not have heard her. She was about to repeat her question when Braxton spoke.

“A question I wish to know the answer to… but as I do not wish to trouble her, might I ask you a different question, Princess?” Braxton looked up from Lyra to Luna.

She nodded her acquiescence, willing a chair into existence for herself to sit on. “Of course, Braxton Zeddmore, wayward War Mage. If we know the answer, we will tell you,” Luna promised.

He nodded. “First, Princess Luna, please call me Braxton. I dislike formal titles. Secondly, do you know of a stallion called Master Facade?” Braxton inquired.

Her brow furrowed for a moment. “Indeed we do. He is an esteemed professor at Canterlot University. But how would you know that name if you have only just arrived in this world?” Luna asked, very curious.

A smile touched Braxton's face as he whispered his answer softly. “With that, Princess Luna... the last pieces fall into place.”

“Forgive us, noble Braxton, but we are somewhat confused. Perhaps there is something we are missing?” Luna inquired, looking to the human war mage.

Braxton considered his next words carefully. “Remember what I told you was conjecture and wanted to keep to myself until I was sure of it?” Braxton looked to Luna, arching an eyebrow.

“We recall that, yes, and wondered then why you withheld it,” Luna replied with a nod.

“Then allow me to show you what pieces of puzzle I have so that we can compare proper notes,” Braxton said and around them the dreamscape shimmered and shifted until all three found themselves at the bell tower’s antechamber. But instead of moving forward normally, events were moving in reverse as Braxton rewound his own memories to where he had slipped out of the chamber hidden in the shadows, his cloak shifting in the patterns of the stone and stride making no more noise than a gentle breeze.

Luna watched fascinated as events continued to wind themselves backward even as Wild Snow walked back into the room. The memory was a carbon copy of what she had already seen but this time she actually heard Wild Snow tell Master Facade about the bit and Luna also noticed that the Canterlot Professor’s voice was half an octave higher than she knew it to be.

It was then the bell tower faded out and the dreamscape came to an earlier point in the evening where Braxton was helping Lyra with cleaning her home. Luna was aghast at the deplorable writing upon the walls of her home as well as the state of how the three stallions had left it the previous night. Before Braxton's intervention, both Lyra and Braxton worked in reverse in their respective cleaning roles till Braxton pulled a tall stack of rejection letters out of the desk and the action about the room stopped as though time had frozen. Luna looked over and noticed that the letter that shifted into focus was signed by one Dr. Master Facade. Though the writing was not as flowing as she recalled it to be, it was still upon the Canterlot university letterhead, indicating it had come from the college itself.

Once more the dreamscape shifted returning to the starry night sky as Braxton looked to Luna. “You see now my interest in this pony. I need to read that letter, but in order to do so, I must wake. Princesses Luna, might I ask you to step out so you are not thrown out?”

As Princesses Luna began to rise toward a star within the sky she called to Braxton “We thank you for sharing this with us. ‘Tis quite curious, to say the least. And in return, two more pieces of the puzzle we give unto you, Sir Braxton. One: Master Facade’s voice is normally half an octave lower than what you heard. And two, that is assuredly not Master Facade's handwriting...” Luna's voice seemed to echo softly within Braxton's mind as he opened his eyes.

Looking to his left, he saw Lyra in his arms as the morning sun shown in through the destroyed door. Braxton carefully picked a sleeping Lyra up, carrying her to her bed once more. In doing so, he passed in full view of Bon Bon, who was trying hard not to giggle at the sight unfolding as she saw the tall human walk by her room with Lyra snuggled up to him in his arms. This was going to provide lots of teasing opportunities for her best friend, and she couldn’t wait to rib her later.

Once Lyra was tucked in, Bon Bon heard Braxton move back the other way as though he had a purpose, returning from her friend's bedroom. She could soon hear him donning his armor and buckling on his sword, returning it to its place upon his hip. It was at this point Bon Bon decided to get up to speak to him, but could not approach undetected by his sharp senses. “Good morning, Bon Bon.” She hadn’t even entered the room before Braxton turned his head and spoke softly to her.

Bon Bon could only offer a small wave at first as she saw that he was checking over his traveler’s pack before placing it on his back. “Are you leaving, Braxton?” She had to know, trying not to feel any fear at his impending departure.

To her relief, he shook his head. “No, Bon Bon, I'm not. I still have a few things to do here before I make my way to Canterlot.”

“Like?” Bon Bon Inquired, hoping Braxton would tell her so that she in turn could tell Lyra.

“Like I have some currency to exchange, a door to pick up and repair, and I still need to ask Lyra a few questions. She had a restless night, but should be sleeping soundly now. With luck, she should be up and refreshed by the time of my return,” Braxton said, reciting a small mental list that caused Bon Bon to muse that he sounded like Princesses Twilight. “If you would, please remain here with Lyra? I do not believe she wishes to be alone right now,” he requested with a bow of his head.

“Of course,” Bon Bon replied evenly, thinking that at that moment, she didn’t want to be alone either.

After having a grand tour of Ponyville the previous day thanks in part to Lyra, Braxton was able to find the money changer he sought without too much trouble.

An alien in an equine land, Braxton knew he was being watched and kept at arm’s length by the locals, feeling nervous eyes and equally anxious voices on him everywhere he went. Despite this barrier, he kept himself cordial as he stood outside the money exchange, offering nods and a soft smile to the stares he was receiving. When it was finally his turn, Braxton came to the first open desk, taking in the nameplate upon it. As a cream colored unicorn mare with sharp blonde hair and deep blue eyes prepared for her next client.

“Welcome, good sir. How many I help…” she turned to greet him only to see she wasn't greeting a pony customer as her mouth fell open. Braxton took her surprise in stride, keeping it business as usual. “Good morning, mare Fair Scales. I am visiting from a faraway land, but perhaps I might I enlist your help in converting some of my currency over to bits?” he requested with a warm smile.

This seemed to snap Fair Scales out of her agape state. She didn't know what creature this was, but she had to admit he spoke very eloquently. “Um… yes...yes I can,” she said, struggling to recover her composure. “Might I see the currency in question, please?”

“Yes, of course, my good mare,” Braxton offered easily, taking the pouch from his side and giving it a few soft shakes to open the drawstrings before upending it to produce the money within. They came out with a clamor and he immediately set out to organizing them before Fair Scales. The first coins were ten square pieces of copper metal that had the edges cut from them. They had a hole in the center of each coin with a different star constellation embossed upon each side. The next set of ten coins were silver, but these were triangular with a pair of crossed swords adorning the coin’s faces. Braxton then sat down ten coins of gold; the face of each of these had a wolf head behind an open flame.

Braxton placed down only five of the next set of coins. They were an oval shape, but the Electrum metal that they were made of gleaned almost as lustrous as Silver. The final coins set before Fair Scales were made of platinum, just three in total. However each of these had the face of a dragon devouring its tail.

Surprised, Fair Scales went to work looking over each of the coins in their own turn. She stopped once only to examine the gold coins, thinking that they would transfer bit to bit. But upon closer inspection she found that the coins weighed one troy ounce and were therefore worth nearly five bits to themselves.

Somewhat lost, Fair Scales looked to Braxton and asked very politely if he would object to her getting a coin specialist in order to verify the wealth that was before her. Braxton himself had no objections and waited her to obtain her boss. She soon returned with a well-dressed stallion named Filthy Rich, who showed up and asked Fair Scales why he did not receive word that a wealthy dignitary was showing up, apologizing to him and sitting down to take care of his latest client personally.

After examining the coins himself, Filthy Rich informed Braxton that the wealth that was before him on the table was equivalent to a few hundred thousand bits--quite a hefty sum and one making him a very wealthy visitor indeed. “I fear our currency reserves are such that we might not be able to give you a full exchange…” he offered apologetically. But Braxton of course only asked for what would keep his belly full and buy a door, not wishing to deprive the money changer of all his currency and force him to turn other customers away.

Filthy Rich agreed, and after completing Braxton's request, informed him that he was always welcome and that should he have any other financial or business needs, to please contact him immediately, handing him a small business card to help keep such services in mind.

Promising he would, and noting his honesty, Braxton collected both the bulk of his own money as well as his freshly exchanged currency. He then departed for the lumberyard, where he found a brown earth pony stallion named Speed Square. Though surprised at his otherworldly visitor, the carpenter pony had no trouble finding a door that would work, as door frame sizes were standard.

Obtaining a particularly thick and sturdy one to guard against future intrusions, Braxton paid Speed Square for his wares and asked him to deliver the door to Lyra's house, offering extra bits if he did so quickly and obtaining an immediate promise to do so. As Braxton walked back to Lyra's house, he heard a loud whistle that could be heard throughout the entire town. Uncertain what it was, his curiosity spiked, but noting the lack of reaction to the strange sound from the ponies around him, he decided it was nothing more than one more question to ask Lyra later.

The train pulled in with a rhythmic timing after coming to a stop, producing a slowing series of hisses as the brakes engaged.

Once the doors were opened, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie disembarked the train, each very travel-weary. Twilight Sparkle bore a concerned look up on her face, worried as she was about Starlight Glimmer. Her disappearance into the mountains left her with a small pit in her stomach that the mare could and would cause more trouble before she resurfaced.

Twilight didn't have a lot of time to reflect upon this, however. No sooner had she and her friends stepped off the train platform when two angry lead mares came forward to proclaim their innocent stallions had been maimed by Braxton and put into the hospital, while a third stallion that was their friend had been missing since last night. Though confused, Twilight looked to each of the two mares—a earth pony named Azure Flame and a unicorn named Nettlekiss—and promised them that she would get to the bottom of what had happened to their stallions.

About the same time, Rarity, having missed the local gossip and quickly catching up on it, was shocked to learn that the Ponyville rumor mill was abuzz over the very wealthy dignitary that had arrived in town and was looking to build a home in Ponyville. The main gossip mares whom were at the center of this where three earth ponies Lily Valley, Daisy, and Roseluck. The three herd sisters owned a flower shop, and were talking as they welcomed Rarity into their circle to catch her up on the town gossip she missed.

The told their fashionista friend that they hoped this dignitary was as attractive as he was loaded, and that he was in the market for a herd or at least open to courting a pony to take care of him. But they also bore news of a more serious nature, mentioning the elite Lunar Guardsponies stationed outside of the clock tower not letting anypony into it, vaguely mentioning that it was partially because the bells were silent and partly because Time Turner was a bit upset they hadn't woken him up that morning. Rarity cast a glance back as Twilight was wrapping up dealing with the other mares, assuring them that the problem would be taken care of and seen to with the utmost attention. Rarity glanced back again and while Twilight didn't show it outwardly Rarity knew things like this took something out of her friend. Rarity decided to leave just as a pegasus pony landed to get a few flowers from the three mares after being filled in. As Rarity was turning to leave the mares to their gossiping, she heard the Pegasus speak to the flower shop owners.

“What if he already has a full herd and has no interest in gaining more? ” the pegasus mare asked the three earth mares.

The three earth mares immediately fell over over-dramatically. LilyValley could only twitch. While Daisy said “That would be awful, Star Diamond!” before covering her eyes with her arm as though blocking the sight of a befalling tragedy.

Roseluck could only utter out in a bemoaning voice, “The horror... the horror!”

Rarity merely rolled her eyes as she was walking over towards Twilight, passing Rainbow Dash and Applejack as she muttered drama queens under her breath.

Rainbow Dash looked to Applejack raising an eyebrow and whispered to Applejack, “Has the kettle met the pot?”

Applejack looked to Rainbow Dash and gave a snort in an attempt to hide her laughter. “I reckon.”

As the mares made their way back to the castle of friendship Rarity looked to Twilight “Dearie, are you okay? It looked like those mares took a lot out of you.”

Twilight shook her head. “Just heard the details of the two stallions that were in the hospital. One will never be able to walk without the use of a cane and the other will never have full use of his shoulder.”

“What uncouth beast would leave a pony a stallion no less with those horrible injuries?” Rarity asked, truly horrified.

“I am still trying to wrap my head around that-” Twilight started before Pinkie Pie bounced up, interrupting Rarity and Twilight's conversation.

“Not to add more fuel to an already big fire Twilight but there is the rich dignitary about Ponyville as well as the elite lunar guard stationed over at the clock tower,” Pinkie said with a giggle trying to liven up the situation.

“I was going to tell her so she wouldn't be overwhelmed, Pinkie darling.” Rarity looked to Pinkie who gave her a sheepish smile.

Twilight pinched the bridge of her muzzle between her eyes. “Not helping, girls, thank you... And Braxton, Spike said he didn't come back to the castle last night either so we also have to go look for him.” Twilight steeled herself a moment and was about to start delegating to help deal with the problems that needed addressing when a small fit of pinkie giggles broke her train of thought as Pinkie spoke.

“Oh I wouldn't worry about that young rogue, Twilight. That wild mustang can take care of himself.” Pinkie hooked one arm around Rarity “Don't forget, Braxton has Lyra with him too.”

Rarity looked to Twilight before looking to the others. “You don't think he spent the night with Lyra do you? We did kinda leave him alone.”

Twilight gave a sigh before speaking. “Okay girls, here is the game plan. Me and Rarity will go to Lyra's house to see if she knows where Braxton took off to, Rainbow Dash go ask the lunar guards why they wont let anypony into the clock tower. You speak for me in this matter if they object. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, can you two go look for this mystery diplomat, and Applejack could you go to the hospital and ask the fire brothers who put them in the hospital.”

“Those two brutes?” Rarity gasped, “they are the ones in the hospital?!”

“I reckon I can do that sugarcube, anything else?” Applejack asked putting personal feelings aside.

“Yes. When all this is said and done we meet at Lyra's house before we go on to the next hoop we no doubt have to jump though.” Twilight finished as the mane six deposited their luggage in the castle foyer and left for their respective portions of the town’s woes.

Speed Square had been able to deliver the door about the same time that Braxton had arrived back at Lyra's house. As Braxton tipped Speed Square three bits for his delivery of the door Braxton asked, “Speed Square my good stallion do you know off the top of your head where one might get some parchment? I am nearly out.”

“Of course, my friend. Just down the way at Quills and Parchment.” Speed Square said pointing down the road before he departed as two mares came up and told him to beat it. Speed Square beat a hasty retreat as Braxton watched him go he turned his gaze to the Earth pony and the Unicorn mare.

“Are you the stallion that put our stallions in the hospital with a knife wound and a broken leg?” The Unicorn said in anger pointing an accusing finger at Braxton.

Braxton folded his hands behind his back in a non threatening gesture. “I will let you mares in on a little secret, they were doing bad things.”

The two mares looked at each other they hadn't counted on the stallion admitting to his crime so soon they wanted to beat it out of him. They still did actually.

“Mares whatever you are thinking please rethink it,” Braxton said calmly as he took a few steps forward as his fingers moved in small movements behind his back out of their sight.

The two mares gave a cruel chuckle. “He wants us to rethink it, Azure Flame... I am so scared.”

Braxton's mind began running through tactical scenarios on how they might attack and how he might counter. He closed the distance almost with near imperceptibly keeping their focus by talking to them. “Oh I know you’re scared... I can see that in your eyes, mare.” Braxton's voice had a chilling edge to it his eyes locked on to both mares as the unicorn began to light her horn with magic, sending three missile bolts toward Braxton. The missiles flew toward Braxton with all the rage the mare could muster. She watched as they didn't strike Braxton but merely seemed to vanish and as she prepared another volley, Braxton quick as a striking snake lunged the final distance needed and flicked the mare unicorn's horn at the base where it met her skull. The unicorn’s magic fizzled out, her eyes crossed for a moment, and she let loose a terrible scream an octave higher as she fell backwards. “You hit me!... you worthless jackass you hit me! ” the Unicorn screamed at the top of her lungs.

Twilight and Rarity stood dumbfounded as the scene before them unfolded. When had Braxton closed the distance when had he struck her all they saw was his body coming back to rest to look to the other mare as she prepared to strike at Braxton with all her Strength. Twilight had to intervene. “By my order, cease this fighting!”

Braxton turned his head to look to Twilight and Rarity, but knew the other mare was past the point of no return and leaned back out of the way of her haymaker. Braxton used her momentum against the earth pony as her punch sailed past and Braxton grabbed her by the wrist, locking her at that joint and pulled the earth pony off balance before stepping behind her. Braxton's free hand gripped like a vise around her descending Aorta. “Now, good mare, this fine princess told us to cease fighting and while I did, you did not. Now please apologize to the princess before you pass out.”

Azure Flame's vision began to tunnel quickly. This stallion, what was he? What demon of Tartarus spawned this bipedal terror? Her fading eyesight saw the princess and locked her eyes to her. “I apologize, Princess Twilight... Please... Help... me...” Azure Flame's eyes shut as she fell unconscious.

Braxton helped the unconscious mare down next to her shocked and whimpering companion as she recoiled from Braxton. All bravado gone from her, this stallion was something to be feared.

Twilight looked as Braxton gave only a slight bow in respect to the princess. Rarity rushed to the fallen mares to check them over while none had any true wounds how Braxton had brought both hot blooded mares down was something else. “Nettlekiss and Azure Flame do not appear hurt in the least. Not in body anyway Twilight.” Rarity looked back over to Twilight as she began casting a spell.

“My Prance fragrant flank I am not hurt... I may never be able to use my magic again!” Nettlekiss whined to Rarity “That Creature needs to be caged and gelded to prevent any of its misbegotten spawn from touching Equis! ”

Rarity placed a hand on her chest and said in a patronizing tone to Nettlekiss to inform her she was not amused. “Dearie you can't cage and geld a wild mustang, they are national treasures.”

Braxton merely cocked an eyebrow at the exchange. Nettlekiss for her part thought about belting the pretentious mare in the mouth, but quickly took stock of the situation. Right now she had only a fine to pay for assaulting a stallion, no apology necessary. If she hit Rarity on the other hoof, the Element of Generosity, a powerful unicorn in her own right, and close friend of Princess Twilight, Nettlekiss would definitely be paying a very steep fine, face a public apology, and spend some time in the Canterlot dungeon for her crimes. As it stood, the stallion was in greater trouble than she was, so she considered her job done.

Meanwhile inside the house Bon Bon had watched as Braxton had the door delivered and was about to start to work when the mares came up starting trouble, and as soon as the shouting started, she rushed in to wake up Lyra and bring her to living room. Then when they had heard Braxton had hit someone and Twilight intervened to stop the fighting, they were near frantic trying to think of a way to get Braxton off the hook, for he was a stallion without a herd and most times a fine and hard labor awaited any stallion who was foolish enough to strike a mare as well as face the fact he would be called a mare beater and spend even more time alone. Both mares could only watch as Braxton endured the insults and the part about the mare he struck wanting him gelded.

Twilight's magic began to take hold as she poured power into the spell she was casting. all the voices seemed to slow down while the environment about her began to tell her the truth of the event. Twilight saw Braxton tip Speed Square with a few bits, she saw him begin to set the door up as the two mares arrived, the auras about them told her they wanted to harm Braxton. While they didn't harm Speed Square they did spook him enough to quicken his step. Twilight had heard what the two mares asked Braxton. Twilight's reaction to the three stallions being behind Lyra's torment did surprise her. For what had Lyra done to them to warrant such behavior? Twilight watched as Braxton placed his hands behind his back but she saw his fingers move he was casting some sort of spell. The answer came a moment later when Twilight saw Nettlekiss strike at him first with magic. This magic was not meant to hurt, it was lethal magic—she was out to kill him. She saw the lethal bolts vanish as they hit something and she also saw Braxton lunge out, but rather than strike with a fist he just flicked the unicorn’s horn. Braxton hadn't hit Nettlekiss in the least. Twilight had the events before she and Rarity arrived and knew the rest as far as why the stallions wound up in the hospital.

Twilight canceled her spell her returning to normal time. The new spell was truly draining and she couldn't do much with it yet, but she had to thank Time Turner for teaching the spell to her. Rainbow Dash was the first to arrive from her part of the delegated mission and took in the sight of two mares on the ground near Rarity and she wanted to question the prime suspect but had to deliver what the night guard had said. “Twilight, the guards at the clock tower said if I was speaking for you they could at least tell me that you have to go there in pony. Also do we need to question Braxton for all the trouble about town? I can do that for you.” Rainbow Dash said with brash gusto, cracking her knuckles.

“Yes, Element of Loyalty that stallion struck me and my sister in law! That creature is a mare beater!” Nettlekiss bemoaned trying to stir the pot as much as she could.

“First... No, Rainbow, you will do no such thing. Secondly... Nettlekiss, shut up!” Twilight said as much for the safety of her friends as not wanting to jump to any conclusions yet. Twilight had done so in the past and those experiences had taught her to gather all the facts first.

Applejack was next to arrive as she walked past Nettlekiss to Twilight. “Stallion beater, maybe, but hit you...no. Tell Azure Flame she is a crummy actress an' she should wake up,” Applejack said looking back over her shoulder to Braxton and the two mares who were trying to rouse the third as she opened her eyes and pushed Rarity away from her, crossing her arms and scowling at Applejack.

Applejack rolled her eyes as she looked back to Twilight and lowered her voice. “Twi, Braxton did put those two stallions in the hospital. But they wouldn't tell me why Braxton attacked em. I tell ya Twi those two stallions are lower than snake’s bellies in a wagon rut and the mares ain’t a far cry from em. But I ain't gonna lie sugar cube, Braxton is in a heap a’ trouble.”

Twilight already knew Braxton was in trouble and wanted nothing more than to get him out of it. Her options were dwindling to pass judgement for the two mares when Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy showed up just in time with Pinkie saying in a chirpy voice. “Oh Twilight, good you found the wealthy diplomat.”

A collective “WHAT?!” erupted from Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Lyra, Bon Bon, Azure Flame and Nettlekiss.

Twilight's mind raced for the open door. Twilight was going to give Pinkie the biggest hug when this was over. Stepping forward, she quickly gave a bow, “Ambassador Zeddmoore, please forgive these two mares for this little misunderstanding. The last thing the crown or myself wishes for is this to mushroom into an international incident.”

“She is a smooth one, that one. I like her.” Klynn Ka' Tar said to Braxton as his own mind gave a pause before he answered as though to convey that he was mulling it over. All the while, Azure Flame and Nettlekiss were sweating bullets. They were used to stirring up trouble, but this was way over their heads.

Braxton looked through the two of them before he opened his mouth “I will be lenient in this matter with one caveat,” Braxton said crossing his arms looking down at the two mares who were trying to disappear into the ground sweating under his gaze. “That they apologize to my emissary and escort while here in Ponyville—mare Lyra Heartstrings.” Braxton made a gesture to the open door that had yet to be repaired to draw attention that Lyra and Bon Bon were standing near the doorway just inside the house.

“Us apologize to that crackpot?!” Azure Flame said in disbelief standing in defiance.

“Then I have no choice but to have Princess Twilight throw the book at you. Starting with the following charges: Attempted assassination of a foreign dignitary, assault on a foreign dignitary-” Braxton paused looking to Twilight whom took his cue without missing a beat.

“Lets not forget trespassing, interfering with matters of the crown and an addendum to the two aforementioned charges is the same as if one tried to assassinate a member of the crown, which places you two now in the realm of high treason. The penalties are exile for the herd and total seizure of all lands and assets,” Twilight said deadpan.

“Let us not forget Princess Twilight in my realm such acts are met with a sentence of immediate death by beheading in the town square,” Braxton countered no longer looking to the two mares as though they no longer mattered to him but he kept them in the corner of his eyesight.

“Laying it on a little thick aren't you. Don't bury yourself in the part 'ambassador'.” Klynn Ka' Tar said teasingly.

“Silence ye ol' impudent piece of cutlery.” Braxton returned the barb in equal measure.

“Whom are you calling cutlery you shmok.” Klynn Ka' Tar laughed.

The two defiant mares realizing just how far up shit creek they were, threw all pride out the window and scrambled over to Lyra's threshold and began to beg for forgiveness in sobs and near hysteria. In those ramblings the name Master Facade came up once more. As well as Silver Mane about how he had paid them all to give Lyra torment and that she was a better mare than they were and hoped that she would forgive them for all the heartache wrought.

Lyra and Bon Bon were dumbstruck here where all her tormentors before her hanging all hope that she was still a kind mare. Not wanting exile and certainly not wanting death.

“How do we end this Lyra?” Bon Bon quietly asked Lyra.

Lyra bit her lip looking to her best friend and then to Braxton and outward to the mane 6 and finally down to the two tear stained faces of the pitiful mares before her groveling waiting with held breath for her answer. “I just want to know if they are truly sorry.” Lyra's voiced in a concerned tone. Wanting no more trouble would befall her later once this mess was over or Braxton left.

“We are sorry, we will trouble you no longer” both mares sobbed openly

“They’re tellin’ ya the truth, Lyra.” Applejack looked to Twilight and Lyra.

“For the moment, or the rest of your lives?” Braxton asked

“Our lifetime!” the two mares wailed in sorrow, crying once more anew as they held onto one another for dear life.

“Then... I forgive them,” Lyra said as she let her anger that was boiling just under the surface go. It was not an easy task, but if she was going to move on with her life, at least she would have to forgive them.

“Then I am satisfied—nothing more need be done,” Braxton said looking to Twilight and then back to Lyra with an understanding nod.

“I have no objections so the matter will close and put behind us as a misunderstanding of cultural differences. Now there is only the matter of the clock tower and a letter to Princess Celestia,” Twilight said as she turned to leave with her friends, before she stopped and turned back to Lyra. “Oh, Lyra, I almost forgot. Could I read your interview with Braxton? I've been wanting to read it since yesterday,” Twilight said with a giddy smile. Lyra meanwhile blushed from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.

Braxton acting quickly, merely countered, “If you wish, Twilight. We can hold our own interview. I don't mind being asked some of the same questions over again. I just have to fix this door and pick up more parchment. As well ask Lyra a few questions while I work.”

Lyra mouthed 'thank you' to Braxton, but didn't voice it.

“I don't see why not. Sure, after I finish up this bit of business... say in an hour and a half?” Twilight asked excitedly.

“Sure, but I get to ask questions back.” Braxton added with a friendly smile.

The mane six departed for the clock tower. Braxton began work upon the door. As Braxton worked he and Lyra talked a little more.

Lyra was the first to break the companionable silence between them. “Thank you for keeping my paper safe from the Princess's eyes, Braxton.”

“Don't worry, Lyra. Given your reaction I would think you put more personal thoughts into those notes, given I didn't give you a lot to work with,” Braxton said, seeing Lyra blush again knowing he hit the nail on the head.

“Must you leave once the door is repaired?” Lyra asked biting her lip nervously.

“I do need to get to Canterlot to see the two ruling Princesses that reside there. But that does remind me—may I look at the paper that was rejected by Master Facade on your desk?” Braxton asked.

“My doctoral dissertation? I suppose so... I don't know why you had to ask me for that...”she scuffed her hoof into the ground, adding with a whisper since she couldn't look at him as he worked, “you're pretty much welcome anywhere in my home.”

“It is always right to ask, for they are your effects, and I am a guest in your house so your rules and your privacy as well as Bon Bon's is paramount to me,” Braxton said with a warm smile.

Lyra for a moment thought her heart would melt. No stallion had ever so much as cared about her privacy. Unless it was to ostracize her. “But isn't it always better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission Braxton?”

“Yes, but only when the situation is duly pressing or time is not on your side. Given neither of those criteria were present, I wasn't going to take that liberty and violate that trust you gave to me,” Braxton said as the door came together.

Lyra could only shake her head and watch him. She had never met a stallion like this, and she wondered if there were others like him where he came from, for there were none like him here.

The trip to the clock tower had been the most draining to Twilight, as the elite guard only let her pass despite her initial protests to see inside but the smell of blood quickly killed it as its heavy coppery scent hung in the still air. What the guards were keeping ponies out of however was further back—a small pool of what looked to be mercury, but if that were the case it would have sunk into the ground by now. Twilight had summoned a small glass vial and gathered some, but she couldn't stay there long. The scent of blood was making her ill.

She filled her friends in on what took place—or at least what the guard thought took place—Silver Mane was eaten by some creature that left a paw prints in the blood that was left of his corpse. The other pony was a mystery, given when they found him he was a pony but within a few hours he had been reduced to a large puddle on the floor. As well as the stairs being completely demolished on the way up to the belfry.

Twilight was tired and wanted a nap before her interview with Braxton. Fluttershy offered her bed to Twilight for at least 30 minutes so she would get a little better nap, which she accepted. The other mares went their separate ways, each needing to tend to their own errands and in Applejack's case, chores.

It felt like Twilight had just dozed off when Fluttershy came to wake her up. Putting most of the day’s unpleasant events behind her, she welcomed the thought of what she could ask Braxton, already beginning to get a lot of questions lined out.

Braxton made his way back to the home of his hostess, the castle of friendship. When he pushed the door open with ease, Spike was there to be the first to greet him with a wave.

“Hello, Spike. Good to see you this half past noon.” Braxton returned the wave deciding to speak to Spike in draconic.

“Hey Braxton.” Spike returned without thought, hearing the tongue of dragons. Spike had to admit this was getting very cool and his mind was filling up with quite a few questions. “Twilight came home not too long ago, she said she was headed for the map room. By the way, where were you last night?”

Braxton gave a warm laugh. “Spent the night working, to answer your last question, and I came by to see Twilight because she wanted to interview me.”

“Care if I listen in?” Spike asked.

“You are welcome to, though it will more than likely be about magical theory and practicality,” Braxton said with a smile.

“Oh.” The interest in Spike's eyes died with all the grace of a fart. “Well I guess I can go read my comic books, then.”

Spike then began to make his way out of the foyer when Braxton called after him. “Spike?”

Spike stopped and turned back to look at Braxton questioningly

“When this interview is over if you tell me of these comic books you speak of I will trade you the knowledge I know of the dragons of Avawyvrenn,” said Braxton with a smile.

Spike’s face lit up like a kid at Christmas. “Awesome! I can't wait!” Spike then left the room with a smile.

Braxton entered the map room, spying Twilight. She smiled softly at him. “Hi, Braxton. Good to see you.”

Braxton returned the smile. “As always, good to see you as well, Twilight.”

“So, ready for a two way lecture on magical theory?” Twilight asked.

“Ready as I will ever be, let’s hit the books.”

Walking into the library among the rows of bookshelves in the center was where Braxton had learned to speak Equestrian and Twilight went to go get a large chalkboard bringing it back to their area with her magic. Braxton could feel the warm aura of magic Twilight was using to move the chalkboard.

“Interesting… Telekinesis?” Braxton asked after studying Twilight's spell for a moment, looking at the magenta aura around the Chalkboard.

“Yes, it is an intermediate spell for unicorns, its prerequisite is to learn levitation.”

“For me, Twilight, Levitation is a tier two spell from the school of Alteration and Telekinesis is also an intermediate spell but it is a tier five from within the same school.”

“Alteration? Schools? How diverse is your magic from ours Braxton?”

“If I am recalling from my studies of learning your language, there are four types of racial magic: earth, unicorn, pegasus, and alicorn correct?”

“Yes, and all of them draw their power from the energies of the six Elements of Harmony. They are Generosity, Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Loyalty and Magic.”

“That may explain why the magic feels warm to me. I would say that our two realms can use magic is best where our similarities end. In Avawyvrenn, we have nine different schools of magic.”

Twilight's jaw hit the ground. “Nine schools?!”

“Yes, and they are Abjuration, Alteration, Conjuration/Summoning, Enchantment/Charm, Greater Divination, Illusion, Invocation/Evocation, Necromancy, and Lesser Divination. Mind you, the term ‘school’ is not an organized place where a person goes to study. In this case, the word ‘school’ identifies a magical discipline. A school is an approach to magic and spellcasting that emphasizes a particular sort of spell.”

Braxton could have sworn that a few cowlicks in Twilight's mane stood on end. Her wings certainly did. As her eyes became wide in realization of all the magic that she didn't know about, Twilight let out a high pitched 'Squee' of excitement.

“This is so exciting! Please, Braxton, show me.”

Braxton laughed warmly “Alright, school mare, we will start with the basics then work our way up. Now, a practitioner of all the schools of magic is called a Wizard or a Mage. The nomenclature fits whether one is a mare or stallion.”

Twilight's smile lit up the room as she took notes, totally absorbed in what Braxton was saying.

“As such, if you recall I had said to Applejack that if I was a normal Mage then I wouldn't have a sword.”

“I recall you saying that you called yourself a War Mage.”

“Yes, a War Mage or Militant Invoker. Twilight if you could do this next part since I can't write equestrian just yet?”

Twilight nodded and took a piece of chalk from the chalkboard.

“Now draw an eight pointed star for me and set the schools in the following order for me. Starting at the top.”

Twilight did as she was told and awaited Braxton's next command.

“Illusion, Enchantment/Charm, Conjuration/Summoning, Abjuration, Necromancy, Invocation/Evocation, Greater Divination, and Alteration.”

“Why only eight points you said there was nine schools?”

“Regardless of the path a wizard walks all schools have access to Lesser Divination and Greater Divination. But there is an exception, and I am leading to that,” Braxton said with a smile. “And I will tell you what each of the schools do, respectively.

“Abjuration spells are a group of specialized protective spells. Each is used to prevent or banish some magical or non-magical effect or creature. They are often used to provide safety in times of great danger, or when attempting some other particularly dangerous spell.

“Alteration spells cause a change in the properties of some already existing thing, creature, or condition. This is accomplished by magical energy channeled through the

wizard.

“Conjuration/Summoning spells bring something to the caster from elsewhere. Conjuration normally produces matter or items from some other place. Summoning enables the caster to compel living creatures and powers to appear in his presence or to channel extraplanar energies through himself.

“Enchantment/Charm spells cause a change in the quality of an item or the attitude of a person or creature. Enchantments can bestow magical properties on ordinary items, while charms can unduly influence the behavior of beings.

“Greater divinations are more powerful than lesser divinations. These spells enable the wizard to learn secrets long forgotten, to predict the future, and to uncover things hidden or cloaked by spells.

“Illusions deal with spells to deceive the senses or minds of others. Spells that cause people to see things that are not there, hear noises not made, or remember things that never happened are all illusions.

“Invocation/Evocation spells channel magical energy to create specific effects and materials. Invocation normally relies on the intervention of some higher agency (to whom the spell is addressed), while evocation enables the caster to directly shape the energy.

“Lesser divination spells are learnable by all wizards, regardless of their affiliation. This school includes the most basic and vital spells of the wizard—those he needs to practice other aspects of his craft.

“Necromancy is one of the most restrictive of all spell schools. It deals with dead things or the restoration of life, limbs, or vitality to living creatures. Although a small school, its spells tend to be powerful. Given the risks of the adventuring world, Necromantic spells are considered quite useful. In spite of the name, the spells are not entirely evil—merely their time of application, and toward whom.”

Twilight's eyes looked to the compass before her. “this is a lot to take in, Braxton.”

“True. Getting back to the matter at hand, I am one who chose to forgo general practice and specialize in one school above all. This in turn gave me more time to study other things, but also limited what schools I have access to.”

“How so?”

“If you follow the compass around to the point of invocation/evocation you will find that the school that is in contention with it is enchantment/charm, meaning I can never cast spells out of this school—they simply fizzle out. And because conjuration/summoning share so much with the first, I can't use that school either, but it does not make a wizard any less of a formidable foe.”

“Out of curiosity how many spells do you know?”

“Are you talking about the spells that I can cast off the top of my head or the ones that take a little preparation work?”

“If not too rude to ask both?”

“I have an extensive repertoire of spells. I can cast eighteen in a day before the mana starts to tax my mind and body. My known spells written down number about two hundred or so. And I can call upon fifty of those two hundred without need of going to my books”

Twilight's mouth fell open for the second time today. “Tax you?”

“Oh yes, powerful spells, Twilight, have powerful prices to pay. Some spells might only leave the practitioner weakened while others cast at the wrong time will kill them.”

“What do your spells look like? For me I just concentrate on what I want and it comes to me.”

“Ah, into the meat of the matter.” Braxton removed his pocket sized spell book from the holder and began to unfold it, getting Twilight's attention. The book thickened when Braxton seemed to knock on it. He opened it to a page with a spell on it and turned the tome so Twilight could see it for herself.

Twilight's eyes went wide at the spell’s complexity. It looked like a mathematical formula mixed with symbols and hieroglyphics. “What is the name of this complex spell here? I can't make heads or tails of it.” Twilight's voice trailed off as she tried to piece the spell together all the while being fascinated by the unknown before her.

“That is the spell 'Copy', the last spell an apprentice is taught after he makes the rank. It paves the practitioner’s advance to Journeyman.”

Twilight sighed, softly shaking her head. “This book doesn't look like it can hold two hundred spells, and speaking of this book, what type is it? I have never heard of a textbook that could fold down to the size of a steno notepad. What is the first spell you learn as an apprentice?”

Braxton chuckled warmly. “This,” Braxton tapped his fingers on the textbook, “is called a traveling spellbook. Most wizards use them to hold utility spells so that they don't need to be bothered with memorizing them. The book contains a dimensional pocket in the book’s spine to hold a quill and a vial of ink. It is one of three gifts an apprentice earns from his teacher when they become a journeyman.”

Braxton rose, taking the red leather pouch from his right side. ”This pouch is the second gift. During the creation of the pouch, a spell called Eschew Materials is cast upon it, so with it—while empty normally—a practitioner can call the materials needed for all one’s spells.”

“Materials for spells?” Twilight asked as Braxton made his way over to the chalkboard

“I will answer two questions with one answer. May I see the chalk?”

“I thought you couldn't write equestrian?”

“I can't, I am showing you what the first spell an apprentice learns is.. as well as the answer to your question of need of materials.”

Braxton knew this spell by heart. He had been fed it enough to choke on it, and to be honest, for the first four months of his career it was the only spell he had access to. Braxton smiled at the warm memories of his mentor some days ramrodding this spell down his throat. Turned out to be his most used spell and he always gave a silent thank you to Tiberius.

Braxton finished the spell formula for the 'Cantrip' on the chalkboard. normally a spell this simple took an apprentice a day at the most to transcribe—an hour for really talented apprentices. Braxton had the spell down to a science, he could write the spell in thirty minutes. Braxton gave another smile as he recalled another memory of his teacher trying not to be impressed and merely told him, “Perfect...now do it again.” and would use a Cantrip to erase the spell from the page. Braxton handed back the chalk to Twilight.

“Okay, with the spell wrote up I need you to write in the upper corner V,S, and M.”

As Twilight finished she asked Braxton “V,S, and M?”

“The letters mean V for Verbal, S for Somatic, and M for Material component. This Spell of course has only two of the three; V and S.”

Twilight looked at this spell. Even though this was the first spell taught, it was still as foreign as the last spell she looked at, but she could recall that the spell copy had a symbol by all three strange runes in the top of the page so she could summarize that what she wrote mimicked how the spell was set up in Braxton's book.

“I think I get it, but I want to make sure I follow. Your spells need a total of three parts in order to work. If one of those things are missing, the spell will not work?”

“Four parts, and correct.”

“Four?”

“Yes, if one doesn't tap the mana for the spell, you can gesture and say the spell all day long, and have all the components necessary, and the spell would still be inert.”

Twilight shook her head. No wonder Braxton's magic felt so cold, whenever he cast it the power was on a completely different level. That realization both intrigued her as well as terrified her. Her gut instinct told her that this mana that Braxton spoke of was as much a weapon as it gave life to all things.

Both drew their attention away from the chalkboard, hearing the rattling of dishes and a door opening. “Hey you two, I figured you might be hungry so I made some snacks and tea for you,” Spike said as he entered the library giving a warm smile to the pair.

Spike set the tea set down on a nearby table and looked over at the chalkboard out of habit seeing it full he gave a whistle “Wow,Braxton, that is a very efficient cantrip very easy...to...read...” Spike started but trailed off as he began to understand what was written on the chalkboard. Inadvertently his two smallest talons of his claws touched and his thumbs extended straight up. He uttered the words Braxton had written on the chalkboard.

Five things happened in a domino like effect when Spike cast the cantrip. First, the chalkboard section that Braxton had transcribed the spell upon vaporized in a puff of magic and flame. Second, Twilight's mouth dropped open as she gave a startled 'eep!' Third, Braxton's eyebrows rose in surprise. Fourth, the tea became steaming hot. Fifth, the sandwiches that spike had made of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onion became grilled as the bread toasted.

Braxton took one of the sandwich halves and took a bite. “Hmm, not bad, a million and one uses and still counting for what a cantrip can do. Never thought to use it for cooking. You taught me something new, Spike.”

Spike took the other half of Braxton’s sandwich and tasted it. There where two slices left. It was the best sandwich he had tasted. “Mmmm where have you been all my life,” Spike said with his mouth full. “How long will this spell last Braxton?”

“A starting apprentice can cast it once per day for an hour. It will grow as you do so don't worry about it being weak.”

Spike grinned. “I think my house chores will be a snap, now,” he walked off a smile on his face.

As he got back to the door he heard Braxton ask“Still want me to tell you about the dragons of my realm, my young friend?”

“Actually could I take a rain check on that, big guy. I kinda want to go play with this,” Spike said pleadingly.

Braxton threw his head back and laughed. He made a shooing gesture with his hands. “Go on, go play.”

Spike then ducked out the door as Twilight shook herself out of the state she was in, the only words she could squeak out with a pout were “No fair.”

The interview lasted about four hours as Twilight and Braxton traded magical formulae and spells,as well as some of the curiosities Braxton had found around Ponyville. The concept of indoor plumbing, as well as the train and use of electrical power to light homes as well as heat or cool them within a box was a truly fascinating thing to Braxton. Most ponies took these amenities for granted since such conveniences were a normal part of everyday life, even in towns like Ponyville.

Braxton had also asked about the marks on his arms he had received from the map when he touched it. Twilight was enthralled by the complexity of his cutie mark. Twilight had also informed Braxton that she was going to send a letter to the princess Celestia so that he could make his way to Canterlot since the last train had already departed, but Braxton insisted that he was able to reach Canterlot at his original appointed time to meet with the princesses. When Twilight asked how, Braxton had merely said he had it handled and could move faster than the train could.

This was another mystery. How he could cover so much ground, as well as move so fast? As for personal questions that she asked, Braxton said he had promised those to Lyra since she wasn't in a true state of mind to give a true interview and would ask those questions be held off on till Braxton fulfilled his word to Lyra. Braxton thought it was rather cute when Twilight pouted as she gave him the scroll saying who he was for the castle guards.

Lyra sat looking out the window with a heavy sigh. Lyra could look to her couch for a moment and see Braxton sitting on it relaxing or at her desk working on something, giving her a soft smile, only to disappear from sight to leave an empty space and her heart a little heavier. Her mind raced asking herself how could she be falling for this stallion so quickly. She had known him two days, but in those two days she had seen him be courageous, compassionate, thoughtful, honorable, humble, and somepony who was willing to risk his life to save a total stranger. He had even given her back her life, the life of her best friend and what had he asked for in return for all this? ...nothing. Was it infatuation? Was she falling in love? How could one stallion possess so many attractive traits? Why didn't more stallions have them!? It made her head hurt and her heart ache to dwell on it. All Lyra could do was look back out the window and sigh.

Bon Bon had watched this for about twenty minutes, and it was getting depressing. Action was called for. Bon Bon walked up, gently taking Lyra's face in her hands and turned Lyra to face Bon Bon square on. “Marefriend, there comes a time in every friendship when a friend has to put her cards on the table and tell her best friend that she need to grab her ass with both hands and go chasing after a stallion’s ass that she’s head-over-hooves falling for. Before she loses said stallion to some mare who does that just to rob you.”

“But what if he doesn’t return my feelings, or isn't interested?” Lyra said as she near panicked looking to her best friend.

“Marefriend you've known the stallion two days. Give friendship a shot first. He strikes me as a very deep stallion, one of a kind. You really gonna let that go?”

They were interrupted by a knock at the door. When Bon Bon answered the door, there was Braxton.

“Good afternoon, mare Bon Bon and mare Lyra. I just thought I would pass by to say that I was going to head to Canterlot today rather than go upon the morrow. I thank you wholeheartedly for your hospitality last eve.” Braxton gave a wave, turned upon his heel with pack on his back and began to walk out of town.

As Bon Bon shut the door she saw Lyra trying her hardest not to cry. This time is was her turn to sigh and she walked into Lyra's room and brought her out a duffel bag dropping it into Lyra's rather surprised arms.

“When?” is all Lyra could stammer out

“About thirty-five minutes after he went on his interview with Twilight and you started moping.” Bon Bon deadpanned

“But...” Lyra started before Bon Bon cut her off

“Marefriend I tell you this with the utmost respect...either I kick your flank out the door or you go chasing after that stallion’s very fine flank yourself,” Bon Bon said with a hint of exasperation in her tone.

Lyra wiped her tears and gave her best friend a hug before she took off out the door, leaving it open. Bon Bon shook her head as she went to the door, seeing Lyra catch up to Braxton. She couldn't hear the exchange, but he nodded yes to Lyra, and she gave a little excited bunny hop as Braxton turned and waved to Bon Bon before they started walking off to the train station tracks.