Back on Duty

Flying in Equestria was a vastly different experience than on Earth. Instead of airliners, there was a pegasus-pulled coach. Instead of jet engines, there were just wings. Instead of airport security, there was gut-wrenching terror. By all rights these flying coaches should not move as fast as they did, so Greg suspected some kind of magic was also involved. Knowing that didn't help, nor did Celestia's presence. The man still sat rigidly, gripping the edge with a white-knuckled hand. The thing was just so open!

The Princess had assured him that the view was spectacular, but Greg took her word for it and kept his gaze firmly on the distant horizon. That way could just barely convince himself they were driving on the ground with really good suspension.

"Remind me a-again: we're not in a hurry, r-right?"

Celestia looked at his face and chuckled. "No, I do not think so. Why?"

"Why couldn't we have gone on the ground again?"

The mare gave this some thought. "We will go by the road on our way back, okay? I cannot have all your relaxation undone because of the flying."

"T-Thanks."

He reached out his free hand and Celestia slid her back under it so Greg would have something to hold on to.

"You know I would catch you if you fell, right?" she reminded him.

"Yes I know that," Greg replied in clipped tones, "but I don't think my gut does."

Again she had to chuckle. She twisted around to give Greg's cheek a good, warm lick, before leaning to the side to look at the ground below. "Won't be much longer, love."

"Good."

True to her word, the carriage started descending a mere fifteen minutes later, making Gregory's stomach lurch and his grip on the side tighten. He relaxed once the wheels actually touched the ground, but his face was still a little pale even when they rolled to a stop. Celestia knew enough to let him disembark at his own pace and she took the moment to go speak with the ponies up front.

"Thank you, Corporal. Excellent job as always," she told the leading pegasus.

He threw a textbook salute, staring straight forward but allowing a tiny upwards curve to his lips. "Thank you, ma'am!"

"I have arranged for you all to have lunch here before you head back. Please return to pick us up on Monday morning."

Again the corporal saluted smartly. "Yes, ma'am!" He didn't even have to give any orders, a look was enough for the other three stallions to shrug out of their harnesses and follow him inside the building.

Now that his heart was starting to slow down, Gregory could finally look at where Celestia had brought him. At first glance it seemed like a rustic farm building, but with far too many rooms. A sign proclaimed it to be the 'Hayloft'. The proprietor, a slightly round earth pony was standing by the entrance, apparently poised to jump as soon as Celestia so much as glanced his way. A proud little smile played across his muzzle, no doubt because of the royal visitor.

As he climbed off the chariot, Greg grabbed the suitcase of stuff he had packed. Celestia only needed a few essential toiletries and the rest of it was clothes for him. Despite Luna's joking suggestions, he was not about to 'go native' and eschew clothes.

"Come, let us go see our room!" the Princess suggested, shifting a little on her hooves in excitement.

Her enthusiasm was quite catching and Greg found himself curious to see what the place looked like from inside. He hefted the bag on his shoulder and followed Celestia through the front door, which the earth pony was holding open for them.