The Draconic Twins: Combat is Magical

Spine was shifting nervously in a chair in the library of the Bluebloods family, wondering just how badly she had messed up. After all, all she did was ask if she could date Blueblood… Was it the way she asked…? Maybe the timing… Must’ve been the timing.

"Miss?" A new voice, a very proper pony not trotting, rather walking with stiff formality. "You should be expecting me." When that did not appear to be the case, he inclined his head faintly. "I am the tutor they hired, to instruct you." He pointed at Spine directly. "Do you understand?"

Spine nodded, confused. “Yeah, but… Why? I don’t really understand what I did wrong…” She then got up to greet the stallion properly, holding out a hand to shake with him.

The hoof was pressed lightly against the hand, allowing it to be shaken as Spine desired, only to correct her. "Slower. There you are. A greeting is not a competition, but a demonstration of your sincerity. The masters of this house wish you to understand proper culture and civility."

She blushed a little. “R-right… So um… What else is there that I should likely take note of then?” She then let her hand down, thoroughly embarrassed.

"Don't be so stiff." An odd bit of advice, considering how rigid he seemed, perfectly upright. "Your posture, consider it, on some levels, depending on who you are with. While one should always endeavor to present reasonably." His horn glowed as he nudged at Spine's imperfect standing. "You need only be 'perfect' around your betters, which I am not."

She tried to relax, only to find her instincts screaming at her to stand back in her form. “And that’s likely going to take practice… Used to being with Master Far Sight. Very strict, you know?” She then rubbed the back of her neck, embarrassed.

"Looking like you're ready to battle is not polite," corrected that tutor of manners. "Proper things at proper times. Now, you are of common birth." He could see her reaction. "If it helps, so am I. There are certain mannerisms expected when dealing with nobility and royalty, even more with royalty, but many are shared. Shall we begin?"

She nodded once, her eyes looking determined. “Yeah. Let’s get started.”

And so it began, Spine being drilled in how to say hello, good bye, or even ask for food to be passed along the table. All manner of, well, manners to get along with people of fine breedings without looking like an unwashed peasant. "Very good." The tutor nodded softly. "But we won't get through it all in one day. I look forward to meeting with you tomorrow."

She then relaxed, going back to her ‘battle stance’, and groaned. “There’s more…? Why the hay is there so much to remember…?”

He inclined his head. "I couldn't say the why. They developed over many years and help to avoid unfortunate… misunderstandings. You performed well, for your first day. I will inform the masters that this is proceeding apace. Good day." He dipped his head at Spine and turned to depart.

She bowed as well, nervous as to how well she had done for the surprise training to be a noble. Then she chuckled a little. “Gods.. Gonna be a Noble from olde times…”

The instant the door closed, it opened right back up, allowing a worried-looking Blueblood into the room. "They didn't do anything untoward to you, did they?" He zoomed over to Spine with a nervous smile. "Tell me you're alright."

She giggled and hugged him. “I’m fine, Bluey! Honest! The hardest part was dropping the battle stance I’ve grown accustomed to!”

He squeezed her in return for but a moment before backing away. "Ahem! Mother insists we… show proper decorum. Such embraces should be saved only for special occasions." He leaned in, glancing off. "I won't tell though if you won't." He liked dragon hugs! Especially from that specific dragon.

She smiled and nodded, shifting to her ‘noble stance’ as she was already going to call it. “Sounds like a splendid idea. Though… I am curious as to how she’d reacted when I asked to court you…”

He flipped his ears back. "She gave me quite the lecture… It is not appropriate for this to come to light in this fashion." He rubbed at his cheek with a hoof. "I should have been the aggressor, and brought it to her attention first. Only after securing her approval would I then approach you." He inclined his head. "Which is what she is going to tell anypony else is exactly what happened."

Spine snickered a little then nodded. “I suppose that makes sense… And what was all that about not letting someone entice you because of your station…?”

He coughed into a hoof, cheeks growing bright red. "She was worried you were… after my bits, and my station. I am a powerful pony." He sat up proudly at that. "That can attract those who have eyes on that power. Worry not!" He threw a hoof wide, grin brightening. "Even when you had full access to my wealth, you did not take advantage of the situation. I protected your honor from her."

She smiled warmly and bowed her head a little. “Well I don’t have a reason to go after your money, or station, Bluey… I mean, if anything, I should be guarding my sister from you!” She then giggled a little after giving him a playful wink.

He rolled his eyes softly. "As if she has a thing I desire. She may be a protege of the princess, but I'm related to her!" Sure, his connection was many times removed, but that clearly did not bother him at all. "So there."

Spine smiled again and leaned in to kiss his cheek, relaxing once more. “Well… Think she’s gonna want to talk to me…?”

"Of course." But he was already turning. "After you complete your lessons. On the bright side, she did approve of you receiving some from me." He looked over his shoulder at Spine. "Not the first bit of advice I've shared."

She sighed in relief. “Oh, thank Faust… I feel like you teaching me wouldn’t be anywhere near as mentally painful as the tutor… Though now I kind of want to go get some ice cream… You?” Spine asked as she produced her bit pouch.

"I would be delighted… but… mother has needs of me." He sighed dramatically. "We will meet again. You have to come for lessons, do you not? We will have opportunities!" He giggled with foalish cheer and trotted off to other things.

She smiled and nodded, hurrying to get back to the barracks just so she could get back with Blueblood. She was very excited and didn’t fully understand why...