Day 66, year 1, May 15th, Tuesday

So in the end, mom did have to force me to sleep. I'm refreshed and on the train now, praying to Harmony or anything else it goes well. Since there were only two tickets, I interpreted that to mean that Celestia wanted just me and Stalwart to attend. I had to leave my foals with Caretaker Zera for the day, leaving plenty of milk for the foals to feed on while I was gone.

She's watching the foals, playing with them as a larger dog for them to play with, and I'm still being visited by drones in the link, all wishing me luck in their own ways. I am still utterly overwhelmed at the sheer number of drones in the hive. One would think there is a maximum population the hive could be, based on how many eggs the queen can lay at all, but I'm told that is somehow not the case... anyway, not the time for that dilemma. We are almost to the castle and I've had to make sure everyone is in their best condition just in case, though mom tells me not to worry about the foals or their needs.

The whistle just blew for arrival in a couple minutes, so I’d better pack up my saddlebags and see the welcome committee…

Jeron: It was a firing squad… Just kidding, just kidding Legate!

What waited for her on the platform was a royal guard, dressed in one of the suits that indicated they were ones directly responsible for governmental protection of key areas and not just normal law enforcement.

"Princess Dawn?" The mare asked, approaching her.

Dawn bowed her head slightly in their direction. "I am she."

"Follow me." She said turning and walking towards the doors of the station.

Dawn and Stalwart moved to follow the royal guard, ready to do what she needed to and walked with what little practiced grace she had.

The guard seemed to pay them no mind as she walked out of the station to where a waiting sky carriage with two pegasi already strapped in came into sight.

Dawn quietly gulped, bracing herself for being escorted to wherever they were going by this carriage. The guard opened the door for them and Dawn and Stalwart entered, looking around the carriage.

It was a standard sky carriage, if you considered the engravings and precious metals put in the carriage ‘standard,’ and once they were seated, the guard entered with them. In moments, they felt the carriage take to the air. Dawn forced herself to relax, to keep the nerves from flying under control as the outside world swooped by as they went above the rooftops. Slowly, she allowed herself to look around and enjoy the view, then had to turn back to watch her husband experience flight.

Stalwart was enjoying himself outwardly, suppressing his own nervousness at leaving the ground but appreciating the view that pegasi got to have.

They flew over the city towards the castle and soon began to descend toward the landing area in one of the courtyards.

Dawn sighed silently in relief as they were about to be done. She only had gotten over her fear of heights by staying in control. Not being in control still agitated those fears.

Soon they landed and the door was opened for them as their escort exited the carriage. Dawn got up and she and her husband walked out of the carriage, both looking around.

They were in a clear courtyard meant for carriages and chariots. Most of the ground was stone with only a few places that has grass and flowers, reminding Dawn of an airstrip before they had to move on to follow the escort walking into the castle.

They were led through a rather different looking Castle than what they were used to. The layout as relatively the same, but everything looked far newer then the Castle they were used to.

'I see the place was rebuilt roughly the same after Tirek.' Dawn thought.

At the mention of it, The Link showed flashes of fire, mixed with the thick smell of smoke, sounds of distant frantic gunfire, and zapping of magic as the air was filled with the taste of fear. The sky was filled with the three Princesses and the queen engaging a massive Tirek that towered over everything, all as a battle that shook the very ground was waged against the backdrop of a smoke-filled sky.

'Yes… it was.' The Queen said.

Dawn mentally flinched at the memory, doing her best to hide it.

The Queen pulled the memory back. 'It was… not a pleasant day.'

'That being the understatement of the century.' Dawn agreed.

'Yes.' The Queen said.

Dawn and Stalwart followed on, Dawn trying to keep her nerves in check.

They soon neared one of the smaller ballrooms and their guard took up a position beside the door.

Dawn paused, bracing herself and asking, 'Should I just enter, or knock, or wait for someone to open it for us, or what?'

'Enter.'

Dawn took a calm breath, opened the door, and she and her husband entered.

It was a small ballroom with tables along one side stacked with simple food meant for snacking with a longer table meant for dining.

Inside were about a dozen ponies talking in small groups. The link quickly told Dawn who were the council members, who were the bodyguards, and who were servants of those Councilmembers.

All of the ponies present were dressed in the finest of clothing befitting their station, some sipped wine, some champagne, and all were exquisitely attractive in different ways, from roguishly handsome to high social class.

The servants and guards glanced over, but the Council didn’t seem to so much as glance at her. Princess Luna seemed to not have arrived yet while Princess Celestia was at the snack bar, filling her wine glass. Twilight was speaking in a group of two nobles in a fine dress that accented her features well. The room had a low murmur of quiet conversation about it.

'Mom… I… what am I supposed to do? I have zero idea what is going to happen or what to do or who the right person to approach is!' She relayed, desperately trying not to look like she was having a panic attack or hesitating. She was so worried about what the right move was and making a wrong move, she didn't make any.

'Do anything. They are watching to see what you do.' Chrysalis answered 'There is no right or wrong answer here.'

'But… I… I'm awkward! I don't want to intrude…' She said, slowly walking in and suppressing a shake as she considered approaching her host and her mentor, yet not sure if she had high enough social standing for that. All her old insecurities were resurfacing.

'Enough Meadow Dawn.' The Queen said authoritatively. 'Are you or are you not my Legate?'

'I am…' She replied meekly, not sure where Chrysalis was going with this.

'Then why are you acting like a freshly hatched nymph? These ponies know you are not taught properly, they will account for that. Do you honestly think them so petty to hold it against you like they were some lower house swill?'

'I have no idea.' She said, calming as she walked forward, deciding to go with her idea on introducing herself to her hosts or Twilight as her mentor, turning to Celestia due to Twilight being busy. 'Sorry, mom.'

‘You are forgiven, now act like my daughter and Legate and show those ponies who you are!’

‘Yes mother. So I should approach my host first, right?’ Dawn asked, starting to set aside her fears.

'Yes, that would be Princess Celestia.' Her mother said.

'Thanks… I think I should be fine now…' Dawn relayed as her body calmed from her fears. She got a slight bump from Stalwart, reminding her he was still there too. Together they made their way toward Celestia.

Celestia had just finished having her wine glass filled from one of the several servants that were present and turned smiling at Dawn as she approached. "It is good to see you, Princess Dawn. I trust the trip here was pleasant?"

"It was pleasant." Dawn nodded, "Your invitation was vague as to the occasion, but I suspect I will discover as it progresses."

"Oh, just a little gathering to welcome you to Equestria." Celestia said smiling down at her.

"Oh!" she said, caught by surprise. "I'm... I don't know what to say."

"How about thank you." Stalwart said softly with a smile.

"That's right." She smiled with a blush, "thank you."

"Do not mention it." Celestia chuckled. "Please take some refreshments and enjoy. Dinner will be ready shortly."

Dawn nodded, taking a small glass and filling it with a beverage, Stalwart doing similarly as she turned around and once again hesitated, surveying the group and trying to figure out what she would do or who she would speak to first, assuming she wasn't approached before she made a decision.

Celestia moved off a ways to join the group Twilight was in.

There was the group Celestia had joined consisting of Twilight, a unicorn mare named Lady Nightgale and an earth pony stallion named Lord Gallant. Two others were chatting off to the side, a unicorn named Lady Vortex and a Pegasus named Lord Swiftwing. Lord Bell was speaking to a unicorn mare named Lady Sparkler and another Pegasus named Lady Shady Sands. Off talking with their personal server was Lord Hem, an earth pony.

There were a mix of Royal guards along the walls, four personal bodyguards, and six personal servants as well as another six castle servants in the room.

Dawn noted each one slowly and then decided it would be best to approach Twilight first, as the order she was going to visit them likely would show where they fit in her priorities. She stood at what she believed was a respectful distance so they could continue uninterrupted.

The group seemed to be discussing trade deals with Zebrica and Equestria and how a recent sand storm was affecting things. Dawn listened politely, deciding she would learn from the conversation about the goings on.

It seemed there had been a large sand storm in Zebrica that buried a few rail lines and highways, making passage impossible until they were cleared, which meant products that used them to travel had to take the long way around, doubling the time and delaying everything.

It seemed the storm had been planned, but an accident in how the Zebras controlled their whether caused the storm to be several times larger than expected and they lost control.

It was very clearly an accident and not something done to try and make a move on Equestria, though some of the lower houses were convinced it was deliberate. They would need to be watched just so they didn't interfere with dealings with Zebrica and upset the balance and flow of information and products.

'Interesting… so most groups up top understand the situation more clearly, while the lower ones are jumping to conclusions… no wonder I was given a tutor for learning more of the different subjects. The difference in composure and consideration is clear.' Dawn thought as her husband looked around the rest of the party idly.

'Yes. The deals between Equestria and Zebrica bring wealth to both nations, the Caesar would be a fool to endanger that… that and I’m sure they have spies in place as well as their personal businesses on the ground, so they have direct streams of information ahead of official statements.' Her mother said. 'This is why they are the High Houses. They never jump to conclusions and only act on reliable facts.'

'I like that… I really like that.' Dawn thought, more actively smiling. She was a little nervous, unsure if she should keep staying near or was being rude somehow by continuing to hover too long.

'And now you see what The Game does. Those who jump to conclusions or react without facts will inevitably fall prey to the ones who remain calm.' Her queen said. 'The Great Game of Houses guarantees only the best rise. Survival of the fittest.'

Lord Hem had finished his conversion with his servant and approached Dawn.

"Good afternoon Princess Dawn." He said bowing. "I am Lord Hem of house Lockwood."

Dawn turned to them and gave a similar bow. "Good afternoon Lord Hem. It is good to meet you. This is my husband, Stalwart Shield."

"Pleasure." Stalwart said with a moderately formal bow.

"No,” He stood. “The pleasure is all mine. It is not every day one meets a new Princess and a visiting dignitary from another reality nonetheless."

Dawn straightened up, blushing lightly. "So my being from a different Equestria is common knowledge?"

"Depends what you mean by common."

"Hm. Perhaps I should ask if it is known by those present and other members of the upper houses. I suspect that means it’s not commonly known by the lower houses or the population in that event." Dawn said, looking to them for confirmation or denial.

"Then you would be correct." She said. "Though I imagine that will change soon with your visit here."

"It would not surprise me." Dawn smiled, almost chuckling.

"Yes, the press is very good about noticing the comings and goings within the city." He chuckled

"Hm, then it’s possible I’ve been noticed from my travel to and from the training grounds for my outdoor activities." Dawn thought, her expression transparently showing her trying to project how soon she'd be more known.

"I'm sure you'll be fine love." Stalwart said, mistaking her thought for worry.

"Hm? Oh, yes. Probably." Lord Hem said, "Well, you are staying in Ponyville, so Ponyville most likely knows about you, but as for the rest of the nation, they are only aware of your name and that you came from another world."

"I see." She said, noting the difference. 'Interesting. On one hoof, he says only the upper houses know and not the lower or population, and now he says everywhere not Ponyville knows I am from another world.'

'Dawn the press covered you being here because they covered our return. However, not everyone reads the news of such things out outside did general skimming. So the press covered you, but whether people read about you is another matter.'

'Oh, ok... didn’t realize my part in that was in the news.' She hummed, "Well, plenty of time to leave a good impression potentially."

'You are from another world and returned with your family with us. Any return is reported on.'

"Perhaps." He said

'Hm. Remind me to read the article when i get home.' Dawn thought.

"Only perhaps?" Stalwart chuckled.

"You have been here for some time. Now that you have come to the Capital, the press will most likely dig into your time here and report on it." Lord Hem explained.

"Not exactly much to dig into." He said. "Just her training."

"There is enough." Lord Hem said.

"Like what?" Stalwart asked.

"A Princess has taken interest in her, paid top bits for tutors and requisitioned trainers, as well as her times exploring around Ponyville." He said. "You do not see how that lends itself to a first impression?"

"It leads to speculation, but still leaves room for the character and personality of my wife to shine." Stalwart said, "Assuming any wish to give her that chance."

"There will always be those who don't." Dawn agreed with him. "Usually those aren’t the ones I should bother myself with."

"As I said, her interactions within Ponyville and how she has behaved in public and the impressions she's left with those she's interacted with is what the paper will report on. That is her impression and how people will see her." He said. "I suspect the papers will have reports on her within the next few days. Then an interview will happen."

Dawn nodded, even as Stalwart very slightly frowned. Dawn thought about how she should best move on, whether by asking for advice or by asking about him and his endeavors and was about to ask, then decided she would play at most not knowing she was part changeling.

"Lord Hem, I understand most of the upper houses have a fairly busy schedule, what kinds of things occupy your schedule usually, or what kinds of business hold your interest?"

"My family has always had a key interest in the textile industry, and generally I oversee our many holdings." He said. "Sadly, as a member of the Council, I do not have as much time to visit the holdings as we must oversee matters of the state."

"I see." Dawn nodded thoughtfully. "What work does the council typically focus on?"

"Matter of the State. Laws, trade, treaties… typical governmental work I'd imagine."

"I can relate I think. I was not very involved in any of the process where I was born, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they were very similar." Dawn nodded.

He tilted his head. "My understanding was that you hadn't been given any responsibilities before."

"I was not, but I have some education on how a democratic republic otherwise tried to operate." Dawn answered, "It worked, though as with many places with power, money talks, and the leaders were not always well educated."

He blinked. "We are a monarchy, though there is some democracy in a few areas… as for the other… that sounds odd. Why would they allow the lower houses to be in charge?"

"Because it wasn’t Equestria." Stalwart said.

'Aaaand that’s gonna bite me in the flank... and not in the kinky way.' Dawn winced at her mother.

"Clearly." Lord Hem snorted.

"It was a land that has some similarities, but not a place I call home. The Equestria I came from is my home." Dawn said, trying to put a gentler spin on it.

He nodded

"Is it common for the houses to be business-ponies as well?" Stalwart asked.

"Not all of us are descendants of the original bloodlines. Some of us gained some wealth and were able to achieve our stations." He said simply. "I am sure I don't need to explain how."

"Indeed. I may like learning from those with experience, but sometimes it is best to experience directly." Dawn agreed.

"Yes, there are many ways to raise connections.” He nodded, “Money, marriage… and having a brain. Even the lowest of the low commoners could reach a Council seat if they have a cunning mind."

"A sharp mind is a weapon of its own, and far more deadly than any blade or weapon it can devise." Dawn agreed.

"Well said Princess." Lord Hem smiled. He grabbed a wine glass from a passing servant’s tray, lifting it to what she said before taking a sip.

Dawn smiled, gladdened at the approval. "I may have borrowed from similar phrases, such as 'the pen is mightier than the sword,' but I think I favor my biological father's quote more. 'A fool has to make lengthy arguments to persuade others to see his way. The wise only has to say one sentence and all understand.' It is imperfect, but one I still try to keep in mind."

"Hmm… it works for the most part. Not a perfect fit, but for a simplification, it will suffice."

"Simple phrases like that often are too broadly reaching for full accuracy, but are sometimes useful." She said with a slight shrug. She almost went on to complain about some more, but stopped herself to avoid rambling.

"Do you have a favorite phrase or motto then, Lord Hem?" Stalwart asked.

"Hmm… Yes, I do, it was said decades ago." He said swirling his wine. "Fix bayonets."

"Ah, a phrase the commander said once with me." Dawn nodded.

"Yes… The phrase became popular some decades ago, made famous by a testimony of a young private of the EDF if I recall."

"Ah." Dawn replied, thinking about what its connotation might be.

"I see." Stalwart said, recently having been taught what one was.

Instinctively, the link showed Dawn an earth pony trooper in a scorched uniform, taking kind drags from a cigarette. There was an ash tray beside him with four that had been used up and a pack of unused ones and a matchbook beside him as he sat in an office.

"Now then, Private First Class Charger… Can you tell us what happened with your unit’s last engagement." A voice said from somewhere behind the drone’s view. It wasn’t; an authoritative voice, but a calm and understanding, like someone who just wanted to help.

The green pony ran a hoof through his blue mane.

"We… we had been assigned to guard the eastern flank of the supply center… The Zebras were on primary distribution duty to the town… The insurgents had been seizing everything in the area. Needless to say, the townspeople were happy for the food. It was pretty simple job… the insurgents were using outdated gear and didn't really have armor and… it was supposed to be a cakewalk… I mean sure they could intimidate a bunch of unarmed civvies but I mean, seriously…"

'Link...' Dawn thought, recognizing the attempt to fill her memory. She tried to distance herself, or shadow herself, but her control over it was limited. Thankfully, her mother stepped in and pulled back the memories.

'Thank you, mom… I… I had a feeling it was about to get a bit much for me if it continued.' Dawn said, feeling relief, though now completely unsure what to talk about.

"What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?" Stalwart asked.

"Are you okay Princess?" Lord Hem asked ignoring the question as Dawn's demeanor changed.

"I'm fine." Dawn said with a slight head shake, "Just thinking about the wars I'd learned about where bayonets were heavily used… it wasn't pretty."

"Yes… I can image so." Lord Hem said.

"War never is." Stalwart said. "Even when just defending others, it never is."

"There's a reason it's called hell, yes… I know." She said quietly.

Lord Hem nodded. "It should always remain a dirty unpleasant affair. Least we become too fond of it."

"Agreed." Dawn nodded quietly, grateful she didn't say 'amen.' She had no idea why that almost came to mind, but it would have stuck out too much.

He nodded. "As for my interests, well, like our dear Princess of Friendship I enjoy reading."

"Interesting, what genres do you enjoy most then?" Dawn asked more eagerly.

"Oh, this and that. Whatever catches my interest."

"Understandable." Dawn said, lightly disappointed they didn't share, but knowing better than to ask.

"What of you? What are your interests, Princess?"

"I've mostly gravitated toward fantasy, though Sci-fi can be entertaining as well." Dawn said, "There's been a few alternate history or time travel ones I've encountered and enjoyed, but it's not as common."

"Oh?" He said

"History has been a hit or miss subject with me." Dawn said, "though I'm working to overcome that."

"Yes. It is a rather long story."

"And only going to get longer as time goes on." She said, only remembering the lyrics to the commander's song after the fact.

"Yes, a never-ending story, filled with all manner of interesting characters and events if one knows where and how to look."

"Indeed." Dawn agreed, not sure what more she could add.

"At least you'll have a chance to meet a lot of the ones moving forward." Stalwart said with a small smile to his wife.

"I suspect she will be at the center of many of those interesting events."

'Not by choice if I stay the same as I am now…' Dawn thought. "We will see. More players could come to light after all."

"Perhaps....but I have a good feeling about you."

"That is appreciated." Dawn said, drinking more of her drink to hide her awkwardness.

He nodded and then the doors opened to admit Princess Luna looking as regal as her station required.

Dawn instinctively wanted to turn and notice her host, quickly flashing a query to the link on whether that's the correct thing to do or not

'You may leave the conversation at any time to speak to another, especially one who just arrived.' Her mother said.

"Ah, our other host has arrived. Please excuse me, since I would like to greet them and extend my thanks." Dawn said, giving a polite bow of the head to Lord Hem, and turned to approach Luna to greet her.

"Ah yes of course." He said bowing his head.

Luna searched the room and saw Dawn's approach. "Ah, I see you made it Young Dawn. I had been worried the suddenness of the invitation would have forced you to not attend. I am glad to see my sister's prediction was correct."

"I am glad you invited me. It is going to take adjusting from what I'm otherwise used to, but I'm grateful." Dawn said, omitting the fear she had to overcome.

"Yes, I do not doubt you will adapt well though."

Dawn chuckled weakly, recognizing what they just did when it came to using adaptation in their phrasing, speaking quietly, "Thank you, Princess Luna."

She smiled. "You are most welcome young Dawn. I trust you have not had too much trouble from the wolves?"

"Not at all. I was socializing with Lord Hem for a little bit of time." Dawn explained.

"Ah yes. We figured they wouldn't try to play too many games with you being so young. They would much rather play with tougher prey."

"I would hope so." She said quietly, feeling nervous once more.

"Relax young Dawn. These ponies here are good ponies… Well, mostly. … I believe the phrase is anti-hero.” Luna said before looking back down at the green princess, “My point is they don't wish you harm. They just wish for what's best, and they are also not easily offended."

"I'm glad. It still doesn't mean I don't want to do well, however." Dawn said.

"You will do well. I am sure of it."

"Thank you, Princess." Dawn said, giving another bow.

"So tell me, what do you think of Lord Hem? He is the newest member of the Council. Only held his seat for a few years."

"I'm still forming my opinion, though he's made a good impression on me so far." Dawn said.

Luna nodded, then gestured toward the snack bar, leading the way. "Come drink with me."

"Of course." Dawn smiled, walking with her in that direction.

Luna grabbed a glass and one of the servants at the table poured her a glass of champagne

Dawn took a glass as well, knowing that she was meant to join them in the drink as well as in company. She found it ironic that Luna liked the lighter colored drink and Celestia the darker, but that was for another time.

Luna moved from the table so as not the block it to stand near the window. "So tell me young Dawn, how was your trip here?"

"It was unique. We didn't have sky carriages back home, only the royal chariots, but it wasn't bad. Reminded me of a plane flight."

"Oh… strange. The chariots are mostly used for short distances." She said.

"A possible divergence." Dawn hummed.

"Yes." she said sipping her drink.

Dawn sipped her drink thoughtfully, unsure what more she should say or ask.

Luna seemed to be watching her, as if waiting and when it became clear she wasn’t going to speak, Luna did. "So how have your lessons been going?"

"Progressing, if slowly. It's easier to tell how far along I've come physically than it is with the education, but I am reasonably sure I am making progress. I'll be starting wonderbolt and EDF training after this completes I'm told." Dawn said

"Ah yes. The fun begins soon."

"That is one way of looking at it." Dawn smirked, "I'm prepared to be sore and repeatedly complaining out of earshot of the Sergeant at first."

"Oh, there is no such thing as out of earshot." Luna sad smirking. "The EDF Drill Instructors were trained to do things exactly how Twilight was trained."

"That was exactly what I was going to tell her." Stalwart chuckled, "Stomper even caught a few things, but let it slide I'll have you know."

"Oops." Dawn blushed guiltily.

"Oh, it is far worse with the DI’s. The EDF rules and regulations on how to handle things are a bit… looser in some areas compared to the guards." Luna explained.

"Like in which ways?" Dawn asked, wanting to find out more of what was coming up.

"Do you know what a paintball gun is?" Luna asked.

"Yes, I do... something tells me they're used for motivation." Dawn said, adopting a stiffer posture.

Luna only smiled. "Among other things, but it would ruin the experience if I spoiled the fun."

"Joy." Dawn said in a deadpan voice.

"Spoken like a true green recruit." Stalwart smirked.

"Their training is hard, but it's to prepare them for the future.” Luna chuckled. “You most likely be put through the C-1 course as well."

"And which course is that?" Dawn asked.

"Why, my course of course." A familiar voice said in Dawn's ear as she saw the guards in the room reach for something in their jackets before stopping and very slowly relaxing.

"Discord,” Luna frowned, “must you crash our gathering and try to frighten our guests?"

"… Camp Mendez." Dawn replied with a feeling of utter dread she barely held back. "I suppose the ponies who repeatedly told me how flexible my thinking was will really have their compliments put to the test then."

"Well… sort of Camp Mendez." Discord said as he laid on an empty patch of air. "More my own personal little slice of an obstacle course, where I'm free to do whatever I want." He said and looked at Luna. "And I'll have you know Moonbutt that I pride myself on my party crashing abilities."

Moonbutt rolled her eyes.

"I'd say take it easy on me, but that would only do me a disservice… I hope that when it is over, I will be thanking you for your training." Dawn said to discord, still fully tense and worried.

He burst out laughing. "Oh yes, because I take requests from the horned and winged ones… Well, okay. I do, but not like that… and if you thank me, it means I failed my entire job."

"Ahhh, that is good to know." Dawn smiled mischievously. 'makes me wonder if I will have the presence of mind to do so just to see what he'd do… is it worth it?'

'He would send you back in with it far worse.' The Queen said. 'He has been given special permission to do whatever he wants to reality in that course. Do you really want to tempt a reality manipulator?'

'Only when I'm ready to go insane.' Dawn replied, intending it to be never.

"So then, I must say you've been a fun one to watch." Discord said.

"Oh? What makes you say that?" Dawn asked, intrigued.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"That would be the point of me asking, yes." Dawn commented idly.

He simply smirked

'Well, safe to say he already knows about me and is probably amused by that.' Dawn thought.

'He knows a lot of things.' The Queen said.

"So then, I am most curious what you actually think about this pleasant little bastion of order called Equestria." He asked.

"It makes me think of if my birthplace and my home world somehow merged. It's pleasantly familiar in a lot of ways." Dawn said.

"Hmmm… interesting. … Well then, do enjoy the rest of your year and have a pleasant end of the year." He said and like that was gone.

"I... thank you?" She said, "Isn't it still not even halfway done with the year? Should I be worried since he made a distinction between the rest of the year and the end of the year?"

"It is Discord.” Luna said with a minor shrug. “Who knows why he does what he does."

"Hm... I'll keep that in mind." Dawn said, 'I mean, hopefully he's not foreshadowing anything... he might just like messing with my mind.'

'I… do not know.' the queen said, not betraying any of her feelings or fears on the matter.

'We will just have to be careful.' Dawn relayed. "Any other surprises I might want to keep in mind?"

"I have no idea." Luna said, sighing and rubbing the bridge of her muzzle.

A moment later the doors opened to admit a servant who called out formally, "Dinner will be arriving momentarily."

'This is where we find our seats and the nameplates that would indicate where we go, correct?' Dawn confirmed.

'Minus the nameplates.'

'Then where should I sit relative to everyone else?'

'In this case, across from Twilight due to your station.'

Dawn mentally nodded to her and watched Twilight, moving to where she would sit across from them.

Celestia sat at the end of the table, Lune on her right and Twilight was across from Luna.

'Okay, so next to Twilight.' Chrysalis instructed.

'Moving there now.' Dawn relayed, moving to sit next to them.

The council waited until she began to move before they approached their seats as well. Dawn watched, trying to see what precedent was in place for who sat down when, and noticed that the other princesses were seated but the others seemed to be watching her and staying unseated while she was not. She quickly allowed herself to sit down with as much grace as she could manage as she realized she was holding them back, or perhaps they were making sure someone of a higher station sat down first.

'It is more they want to see what you do as you aren't the host.' Chrysalis corrected her thinking.

Once Dawn sat, the rest sat. Lord Bell was across from Dawn and moments later the door opened to admit covered trays.

'So they wanted to see what I do as a guest? But... I don't understand.' Dawn relayed, confused as to why it mattered before asking the link what is expected from there on for the covered trays which she assumed were their meals.

The link informed her all of this was testing her. They were seeing what she does, how she thinks. They were gleaning information from every action she took, every word spoken, everything needed to know for how to use her and how she will use them, how to manipulate her and how to defend against her manipulation. The Game was being played even now and she was swimming with the sharks.

Once more she felt hatred at The Game, and yet decided she would continue as best she can. She might give away a few tricks early on, but she would grow and become all the more potent and catch them off guard later.

The trays were moved onto the center of the table and down it, leaving plenty of room for plates as another sent plates and silverware before each pony. There were surprisingly very few pieces of silverware. Then the covers were lifted to reveal steamed vegetables, salads, stew, bread rolls among other similar foods, minus meat that might normally be in such dishes.

Dawn nodded and smiled approvingly, eyeing much of the fare with appreciation.

Once the servants departed, Celestia and Luna used her magic to carefully get small portions of food and once they finished the others began as well. This was their Castle, their dining hall, they were the hosts and got to be served first.

Dawn gathered portions for herself, trying to make sure she got a little of everything so she could comment on it all, though noticing how little the others seemed to be getting.

'Careful with how much you take.' the Queen warned.

'To avoid appearing gluttonous or not leaving much for the others?' Dawn asked, having taken only a few mouthfuls of each dish so far.

'As well as greed, and its rude to overeat.'

'Hm. Strange correlation to me.' Dawn noted.

The Queen just shrugged. 'No different than someone taking you out to dinner and you taking advantage of it by ordering the most expensive thing on the menu.'

'I mean, that I'll grant...' Dawn relayed with a small frown. The point of food was to share it and eat it. She would have thought it would be even more rude to have guests leave hungry and having food wasted, but still, she was in a different culture, no matter how similar it may appear.

The other ponies began to discuss various things, the weather forecasts or other events. Normal small talk items. Dawn discussed with them, noting everything she could as she observed where she could.

It seemed all serious talk was now over and it was just idle chitchat now as they spoke with her about her interests or various other minor events. She spoke openly, making sure she stayed polite, but realizing that only truth would help her here.

Soon the main meal was done and a servant stepped in. "Desert is served." He said and another cart came in with a large cake on it, Celestia smiling as she observed it.

Dawn chuckled very quietly, figuring the desert would be cake.

The servants began to cut the cake and soon they each had a slice of strawberry topped chocolate cake with white frosting.

Dawn smiled at the simple nature of the cake, making sure she ate once her host has started eating.

The chatting was the same quiet affair. Celestia and Luna talked quietly about dreams, Twilight spoke to Lord Bell about music. Dawn listened in, not chiming in often, content to listen to the others and trying to learn.

Twilight seemed rather knowledgeable about music and Luna and Celestia were obviously more than proficient in their fields.

Dawn slowly felt the pressure of needing to be an expert in some kind of field but knew better than to fake any knowledge in this place. She knew it was going to be necessary to gain such expertise eventually.

'You will be. These are hobbies.' Chrysalis reminded her.

'Ah. So croquet or other things may surface, like when I take up cooking lessons.' Dawn hummed.

'Yes.'

Dawn listened in on the subjects in a new light, eager to learn what she could about each of their hobbies then.

Twilight seemed to have taken an interest in music alongside her magical theory and engineering studies. Lord Bell was woodworking, Celestia and Luna a private conversation about the day’s events.

Dawn continued to listen, turning to the other side and noting where everyone sat socially.

They seemed to go down based on how long they had sat on the council with Lord Hem at the farthest seat. The topics were wide and covered everything, from gardening to art to electronic entertainment and films. The ponies spoke as those who knew the topics they directed or told stories of well, one could even say a few of them were passionate about the subjects they spoke of.

Dawn listened in to the electronic subjects the most, showing her interest. They seemed to be rather advanced in the subject having handheld devices, phones and the like. She still enjoyed the topic, trying to absorb as much as she could.

Soon the cake slices where gone and Dawn sighed contentedly and quietly. She was emotionally tired from having spent so much time out with others, but it was enjoyable in its own right.

The hour was quickly growing late for the dinner and guests began to excuse themselves.

Dawn waited until some of the others left before going to her hosts, intent on thanking them before going as well.

The two alicorns looked to her as she approached and Celestia smiled. "Going to return to your room for the night now Dawn?"

"It would be wise I think." Dawn chuckled.

She nodded. "Then rest well and I do hope you enjoyed the dinner."

"I have. It was beneficial in a number of ways. I also look forward to how things will change as I develop." Dawn said with a bow.

"As do we young Dawn." Celestia smiled.

Author's Note

Of course Discord is foreshadowing. He's got a big pile of foreshadowing right next to the plot device... or just the plot. Dawn is a changeling after all. I'm sure that's all he meant. Right?