Last Stop on the Mail Route

We spent the rest of the ride holding each-other, quietly sharing feelings, thoughts, ideas, stories; all while embraced snuggly as the train rattled on, speaking in whispers and giggles. She tells me about Dinky's youth, and how playful she always was, a little beacon of too-smart-for-her-own-good. I tell her about my Sisters, being the only brother. It's a good, calm, honest talk; her wings are draped over me in a loose hug, and my hand idly roams up and down her side, coasting through her soft fur. I pause to scratch the lightly matted part where her purse had been sitting, eliciting a small purr from her.

Well, until one of the train staff came by to ask us for our Tickets for stapling. Had to unwrap ourselves, reach over and fish them out of my jacket pocket, without waking Dinky; she still had it draped over her like a blanket, and slept like the dead. While I handled presenting the tickets, Derpy got settled back in her own seat again, semi-awkwardly shuffling around the Conductor, who just seemed like they couldn't care any less. They were more concerned with how my detached leg sat beside me, honestly.

Once tickets sorted, we were sat across from each-other again. With the moment passed, we switched gears.

Some light conversation about what it was like to eat without a cheek, and what is was like to have wings, kept us entertained as Canterlot slowly came into view through the window. Derpy was very curious; but also very empathetic, not wanting to upset. It took a fair amount of reassurances to get her to ask the more divisive questions she had; but our talk petered out as Canterlot neared.

Derpy, wings twitching with excitement, gently woke her daughter so she could see; the Filly squeezing in beside her mom to stare out the window with eyes so big, they threatened to pop right out.

I don't think Dinky had ever been to Canterlot before; and compared to Ponyville, it was quite the change of scenery. From rural, oversized village where the biggest building might have been Twilight's Library, to the stone-fortified castle-town that boasted towers and walls, mounted on the side of a mountain. And I thought humans had some ballsy architecture.

Their excitement is borderline contagious; I can't help but watch them, pointing and whispering in anticipation as Canterlot looms, hooves tapping on the train glass, smiling myself. A similar scene plays out among the other booths, as we get ever closer, with the other seats filled with muttering and window-gathering; I don't care about the other booths, though. My attention is torn between Derpy's tangible excitement shared with her daughter, and the dressed-up Capital of Equestria.

Canterlot is decorated like a festival is underway; probably because it is, but I haven't seen it like this before. Banners start to line the tracks, large lines of flags can be seen dangling from the overhangs and roofs of the buildings, and cloud-art paints the skies; looks like the Pegasi have some prime advertising space for their booths. Streamers and balloons, art installations. It's like a whole new splash of color soaked over Canterlot.

The train starts to slow, the grind of the wheels muffled as it nears the station, and the audible buzz of the excitement that's swept Canterlot can start to be heard; I'm already twisting my leg back on, Derpy taking my jacket in her wings to pass it over, moving around Dinky as the Filly still stares outside.

She's about to 'wing' it over to me, but pauses, looking at my outstretched hand. Then, to the jacket. She pulls it closer, and gives it a quiet smell, nose pressed to the fabric. She smiles, throwing me a look alongside the jacket this time.

It goes wide, (obviously), but I catch it, working my arms into the sleeves. I can't help but smile back.

I like when she gets playful.

For this part, I was glad we decided to swing for the early morning train. We weren't the only ones with that idea, obviously, but the station could've been a lot more packed it we tried for one of the later arrivals.

When it came to Canterlot, it wasn't nearly as rural as Ponyville; but it also wasn't nearly as Metropolitan as some of the other towns I've heard about, like Vanhoover or Manehatten. So, I was already catching some odd glances. I was just thankful they didn't tend to stick very long. I think the excitement and distractions of the Fair was seeping through the populace. Might actually get to enjoy this, if my dislike of crowds doesn't kick in too heavily.

I expected this to be a fun, draining weekend.

Once we manage to disembark and actually hit the streets, Dinky has the Pamphlet for the Hotel floating open in front of herself, leading the charge, reading the address and following the streets. Derpy is right behind her, wheeling one of her cases with her wing; I'd offered to take the other one, and was walking on Derpy's other side, my bag comfortably slung on my back, the second case of luggage tucked under my arm.

Though I'd been to Canterlot a few times, I hadn't actually truly explored it. Usually stuck to Twilight, visiting the Princess, her Parents, or just accompanying her during the trip; all of which were pretty direct routes, quickly cutting through the city.

Part of me wonders if I should swing by and say hey to Tia, or if that would come off a little heavy. If I had time, maybe, but Dinky and Derpy were the priority here. Plus, good chance the guards might not even let me in; I doubt the rank and file guard was privy to me being Pen-Pals with their Sun Goddess, and throwing a stink at the gate was not in the plans.

Still a wild concept to me,. That whole control-the-sun-and-moon thing. But, I had a solution for that.

Stop thinking about it.

Hasn't failed me yet, and it doesn't fail me now, as my brain returns to simpler thought processes; like watching Derpy walk. That one's much easier on the mind. And, when I can, helpful nudges to make sure she doesn't bump into anything.

I don't want to be overbearing, but I want to at least be some kind of helpful; so I stick to only nudging during the close calls. I can tell, now that she's actually Hooves-In-Canterlot, her nerves are starting to spike; so my nudges also serve as a reminder that she's not alone. I think the smile she gives me every time I poke her back or her side means I'm doing alright.

This section of Canterlot, the entryway, is shared with the Gatehouse for on-hoof entry, and is highly decorated; but there's little in the way of booths or anything to draw long term attention, just posted Guards, keep everyone moving.

The Hotel, the name of which Dinky reads off out loud every ten seconds or so, is apparently just off the main road; lower traffic without being too far from the actual meat of the Fair itself is the gamble here.

"Exciting stuff, huh?" I ask Derpy; she's glancing around, trying to take in everything without taking an eye off Dinky.

"...Yeah, it's really pretty." She nods, though she's heavily distracted. She might already have too much on her plate, trying to juggle too much.

I lean down, using my free arm to nudge her wing. She blinks, looking up at me.
"Hold my hand? I'll keep an eye on Dinky for you, so you can enjoy the sights. This is as much a vacation for you as it is a trip for Dinky." I smile, wiggling my awaiting fingers.

Derpy looks like she wants to dismiss the idea, but her gaze settles on my smile. She sighs, a relieved smile of her own taking her face, and the feathery soft wing meets my hand; I'm gentle as I hold onto the largest of the end-feathers. Hand-Wing holding with a Pegasus. Not something I ever saw myself doing, but now, definitely something I could see myself doing more of.

Dinky squeaks, suddenly taking a hard left into a side-street, narrowly avoiding bumping into several pairs of Pony legs. "Almost there!" She announces, hardly waiting for us to follow her. The buildings were tall, stone-foundations and wooden bracings, several archways overhanging the street, and each boasting plenty of signs and tapestries. Compared to Ponyville, it was nice to see everything actually had a verbal name, and not just a picture sign. Mostly.

The East-Side Equine Estate, predictably, has a sign depicting a solid silhouette of a Pony, surrounded by a horseshoe, with a large E cut out of the center. Sturdy pillars border its Pony-high fence, nestled alongside the other large buildings. A pretty chunky looking hotel, with a good half-dozen floors. It's bigger than I was expecting; and I think the same goes for Derpy, the way her eyes go wide.

Dinky folds up the pamphlet, handing it back to her mom as we cross through the open, archway-styled door.

The interior is styled off a mix of cream and a dark emerald, accented with a deep chocolate, with a long carpet leading from entrance to help-desk. There's a sizable lounge leading up to to said desk; all designed around being open and accommodating, for any of the three Pony tribes. On the left side, a Pool can be seen through a glass door, though most of it is out of sight. There's an open banquet area down the right, and behind the desk on each side, are the stairs. Balconies encircle the entirely on the inner, higher-level areas, maintaining a very open feeling for Pegasi to simply fly to their floor.

"Hello!" A chipper voice calls out from the desk, coming from a mint-green fur and speckled-brown maned Pony. They're wearing a button-collared shirt, hooves leant up on the desk.

Dinky, ever the cheerful little socialite, waves excitedly as we cross the lobby.

"Welcome to the East-Side Equine Estate -- did you have a reservation?" The chipper pony smiles; even as their gaze rises up to me. I don't even see a twitch in their expression. Professional.

"Uh, no -- we were told that walk-ins were alright? We didn't have time to send a reservation ahead." Derpy informs; a nervous flicker to her ears. I think this place looks a lot more expensive than she was expecting.

The desk-pony starts scrawling through a clipboard, tut-tuting and tapping a hoof. Page flip. Page flip. Page flip.

"Hmmmmmm....." They hum. Derpy glances up at me, nervously. I just offer a shrug. There's other hotels around, worst comes to worst. Might have to check a few, with the close time-frame, but--

"Ah! We did have a cancelation; single Alicorn-Size suite, complete with in-suite complimentary bar and deluxe shower. One of the visiting presenters for the Career Fair couldn't make it, unfortunately; but quite fortunate for you! That's the only room we have available." They kindly inform, all the pages flipping back down.

Now Derpy looks at me with a very different worry worn on her face. First problem, that room was, for absolutely sure, outside of her budget. I don't think she's paid for anything with the word 'Deluxe' in it before, considering how her ears drooped when she heard the word. A room with a built in complimentary bar? On a Mail-mares budget? Not to mention the second problem; three of us. One bed. Dinky wasn't quite the issue here; I think the Filly would nap with either of us. But that was... a significant leap in our relationship, sharing a bed for a night.

"Are you certain there's nothing else?" Derpy tries to ask, stepping forward; but the clerk shakes their head.

"On such short notice, I'm afraid not, Ma'am. The single bed is not the issue, is it? I apologize if I had assumed that you and your husband would take issue with -- " They begin to inform, Derpy's eyes flashing wide at the word 'Husband'.

...Well, I'm not about to let this trip ruin itself before we've even had a chance to put our bags down.

Before the train ride, I would've found more issue with sharing a room like that. That was kind of a big step, you know; not for me, I literally just bummed my room to a Griffon for like, a week straight. More so for Derpy; I didn't want to push her into anything uncomfortable.

But the way she so willingly comforted me on the train? I had a feeling, and I was going to play off it.

Also, this would be kind of funny.

"Why, Darling; why worry? It sounds delightful." I speak up suddenly, enjoying a particularly snobby accent. Dinky stifles a giggle, Derpy looking at me with sheer confusion; the clerk, however, ever the professional, locks in on me the moment I start speaking.

"Tell me about this room, and the services it implores, if you would be so kind." I wobble my head, trying to sound like the stick up my ass was threatening to exit from the other end.

"Anon, what are you -- " Derpy starts, but the Clerk is bold.

"Of course, Sir; for a simple 35 bits a night, we bequeath our guests with a complimentary breakfast, free access to the facilities, which include our delightful Pool and closed-off garden -- and for the suite available, a hostess bar for your own personal serving, with associated prices listed on the drinks. That doesn't even include the Deluxe-scale shower, which I might add -- may very well be a must for one of your stature." The clerk lists off. Derpy's entire demeanor seems to droop at the list, further as it grows.

That... hm. I don't think even I've paid for any of that kind of shit before. I'd buy plaid shirts and jeans, not rooms with built-in bars.

But I steal a side-glance at Derpy. For her? For that Filly of hers? I could do that. Wouldn't be pretty on my wallet; might have to play it light for a week or two when we get home -- but that sounded worth it, to me.

"And if I were to request extra blankets and pillows?" I respond, offering an expectant eyebrow raise.

Dinky is watching our conversation like a tennis match, glancing back and forth, grinning. Derpy does the same, though very much not grinning.

Derpy is staring at me now, realizing what I'm about to do.
"Anon. That's way too much! I can't--" She whisper-hisses.

"Of course, sir. Any remediation you or yours may require, for your... and I mean the utmost respect, but your unique physiology, we will be glad to handle in whatever capacity we can." The clerk affirms, nodding.

Honestly, they had me sold with the service. Maybe I wouldn't mind some pampering myself. A room actually built to fit me? Unheard of.

"Do us in for the weekend, would you? We'll be staying for the Fair. Oh, and you're still doing breakfast, yes?" I ponder, pompously, as I pull the bits from my bag.

"Absolutely. Hall opposite of the pool." They gesture with a hoof; displaying a quaint little banquet hall, with a few Ponies picking through the buffet tables. "It's open until ten in the AM." The Clerk nods, sliding our room key forward once by bits hit the desk. Some of the furniture in my house costed less, and I swear I can feel how much lighter I am without that chunk of change.

"Wonderful. Shall we, Darling?" I say sweetly; letting a little Rarity tinge my impression. Dinky is right on my heels, practically vibrating with excitement.

Derpy trails after, a defeated, yet troubled expression sat on her face.