Author's Note

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I had a dry spell with creativity.

The Journal of Friendship

Twilight continued to talk about the journal, “When I started under Celestia, she wanted me to write to her about my studies and things I learned. After some time, she wanted all of us to write about lessons in friendship. Thus, the journal came into play.” Tirek opened the book and flipped through the pages as Twilight droned on about the book. He thought about paying attention, but assumed she would keep rambling at this point. Several pages that were marked or highlighted caught his eye, he figured they had to be important in some way. Perhaps he would give the book a skim before moving onto the next.

“And that’s why, despite everything, I think you should take a look at it. You may be able to learn something you can apply in the future.” Twilight gave him an eager smile.

Tirek looked to the book once more and pondered. He wanted to skip this book, but she was right. He may learn more about friendship, or at least how to play along with the knowledge.

Rarity noticed how Tirek skimmed through the book methodically. His eyes showed his disinterest, but there was something else behind them. Being extra cautious, Rarity spoke to Twilight, “Twilight, could I speak to you for a moment?”

She turned her attention from the stacks of books to the unicorn. “Sure! I need to run over to the school to drop off some books. Want to come with?”

Before Rarity could say a thing, Steward spoke up, “Do not fret, Miss Rarity. I will be here if Sir Tirek requires anything.”

Requires anything? Tirek averted his gaze to the pegasus for a moment. It was certainly an odd way of saying he’d watch him.

“What would we do without you?” Rarity gave him a warm smile which he gladly returned as the two mares strolled out.

Once they were out of earshot, Rarity snapped her gaze at Twilight. “Are you serious, Twilight? Giving him the journal? He could use that knowledge against us!”

“I’m already aware of that. I would be surprised if he didn’t. Before you say anything, think of what would happen if he actually did learn from reading it. Even if he uses it against us, he’d still be learning how to use it. You only need to figure out a plan on how to turn that around to benefit us.”

Rarity gave her a relieved smile, a newfound calm washed over her. “This is why you’re the smart one, Twilight. If that's the case, why don't you help me come up with one?”

“I believe you should be the one to do that, it would be genuine coming from you. Don’t take your own intelligence for granted.”

Meanwhile, Tirek continued to read over the journal. However, his concentration had been broken by the little child. The tiny alicorn hopped on the table and looked at him reading. Tirek glanced to meet her big, curious eyes. “What are you?” Her voice was rather high pitched, even for a kid.

Tirek was unsure how to answer this. Shouldn’t Twilight have already taught her about different races? Then again, he had no idea what state his homeland was in. In the end, he decided it wouldn’t hurt. “I’m a centaur.”

“Cen...taur…” She sounded the word out, looking him up head to tail. “Do you have four lungs? Two hearts?”

That was certainly a question that took him by surprise. As young as this child was, he wasn’t expecting her to ask that kind of question. “I do.”

Evening gasped. “That’s so cool! I gotta tell Sunburst!” She hopped off the table and galloped out of the room.

Tirek looked to Steward who was doing some light cleaning. “Who is Sunburst?”

“He is Miss Sparkle’s husband.”

So this is who Rarity referred to before. The centaur gave a sigh. “I assume I will be meeting him soon if he is around.”

“That would be an easy assumption to make. He was a tad busy, though I have a feeling he will come around to greet you soon. I must warn you, he can be a tad eccentric like Miss Sparkle.”

His eyes peered over the top of the book, giving the pegasus an unamused stare. “Just a tad? I would not describe Twilight so simply. Or anyone around her.”

Steward’s mustache lifted into a smile. “When you tend to travel, you meet a lot of interesting people. Some better than others.”

Tirek took a moment to respond, finishing up one of the entries first. “Travel? With the father of the child?”

“You would be correct. However, my assistance is needed here more.”

“Will he be coming around anytime soon?”

“Of course. I am unsure when, however.”

The high pitched voice of the child sounded from the hallway. “He's in here! He's in here!”

Tirek looked to the door in time to see the filly dragging an orange unicorn by the hoof. He grew more annoyed as the pony trotted up to him and ran his mouth.

“You're a centaur! An actual centaur!” Sunburst took a good look at him. “We haven't seen your kind in so long! All we have are books and records! And not to mention -”

“How long?”

Sunburst stopped and tapped his chin. “I don't know the exacts, but hundreds of years ago.” Sunburst quickly noted the expression behind Tirek’s eyes. “Oh, I don't think they're dead. Accounts say they're in hiding or haven't communicated with Equestria in a long time.”

Tirek huffed, accepting the answer. “I see.”

A thought donned on the stallion and he suddenly gave a sheepish look. “Oh, dear. Where are my manners? My name is Sunburst.” He held out a hoof to him.

Tirek gave a quick glance to the journal on the table. He reached out and grasped the hoof in his hand. “Tirek.”