Last Stop on the Mail Route

The gates leading up to Canterlot Castle. Bit of a squeeze to get in front of, since they were off the main road -- which meant weathering a hefty chunk of the busy Festival. Now that we were trying to actually get somewhere, namely said castle, traversing through the fairgrounds wasn't as whimsical as it was yesterday. Moving with the flow of activity and interest, curious to see the stalls and what they behold? Fun, exciting even.

Trying to cut from a side-street to the main Castle gateway, directly across? More like trying to cross an active six-lane, American-tier highway, if the cars were waist high and loudly griped about being stepped over instead of honking.

Derpy could fly over well enough, with the other Pegasi leaving sizable gaps in their multicolored flight groups and flapping about at various heights. She got over well before Dinky and I did.

Of course, I'm not going to make a filly fight through that kind of raw crowd-traversing, and we had a pretty good system already in place. Dinky on the shoulders. Nestled comfortably in her usual place of heightness, we abuse my long limbs to step over and around the lanes of furred traffic.

We get a few passing complaints, as being walked over is a pretty jarring experience for most ponies; probably tickles something about their latent fight or flight response, if the way they react is anything to go by. But, Dinky's cheeky grin and waving hooves tends to disarm the worst of the sudden offendees. Seeing her dangling off the top off me with that trademark cheeky smile throws them completely off guard, buying me time to keep skedaddling.

We are undeterred, however -- a most fair maiden awaits us, as we manage to carve our way forward like a viking tall-ship on furred waters, reaching the blonde beauty on opposite shores.

"Your daughter, Miss -- thirty minutes, or she's free." I announce, plucking the wriggle filly from her shoulder-bound throne.

Derpy giggles, reaching out with her wings to relieve said delivery. She smushes and squeezes Dinky's face, inspecting her.
"Hmm. Could have sworn I asked for Filly-roni..." She mumbles, smiling.

Dinky puffs up, claiming a bold heritage to pineapple-based Pizza's. Through dramatic and watery eyes, Derpy proclaims she'll love her daughter, no matter how terrible her tastes -- before the two break into a mutual case of the giggles.

I love this mare.

Where were we? Right, the gates.

Solid, impressive stonework giving way to sturdy metal gates, posted by armed, golden guards. Accents of gold with splashes of smoothed marble, all boasting the height and ancient nobility of the pair that rule from within its bounds. It'd be an intimidating sight, if I didn't have mental dream-luncheons with the owners on occasion, nor an actual in-person scheduled with them now.

A winding road that leads to the overhanging castles far above and distant, presiding over the lowered streets of the city. I'd come here on occasion with Twilight, but since we got to writing, I hadn't needed to physically visit as much. Once I was settled, not much reason for me to. Though, I hadn't exactly lived quietly since then. Still need to pay off that loan, but with the job from Rarity, it doesn't seem as big of a hurdle as before. It'll just take some time, which gives me something to work towards.

A cleared throat pulls me from my distracted gazing at the regal architecture... like a mixture of royalty and religion. Kind of fitting, considering Tia was some sort of a God-King. Right, distracted.

Derpy and Dinky are looking to me for how to proceed with this, since I'm the one with royalty-visitng experience. The closest guard stationed at the gate is watching us from under his shiny helmet. They've got another one on the other side of the gate, and a third sitting in an adjacent guard tower. I'd comment about how light the security seems, but with them managing the festival, and the ponies they're protecting being living super-reactors of magic, I guess the guards are more for the citizens than the Princesses.

Well, Derpy is watching me, hoping I'll take the lead -- Dinky is eyeballing the guards spear. It's a little reassuring, knowing I've got some wiggle room when it comes to messing this kid up by accident, since she came pre-installed with some weird interests. Mostly sharp interests. Hopefully. If that kids cutie-mark is a cross hair, I'm done for.

Patting my pockets, I scrunch my face trying to remember... there it is. Bundled up Royale invite, left inside jacket pocket.
"Hey. Here." I pass it off.

The guard unfurls it in his hooves once I pass it over, and I watch as his eyes flicker across the parchment. He looks like he's about to say something, but catches the last part of the letter, casting a gaze towards Derpy and Dinky. His lips purse, before rolling it up again.

"Ambassador Muss, and two Guests. Follow me. Princess Celestia is expecting you." He notes firmly, clacking the metal horse-armor-shoes he's wearing, spinning in place.
"ENTRY!" He shouts, as the guard on the other side of the gate snaps to attention. The hefty, metal gateway is slowly pushed aside, granting us entry as we're waved through. The inner guard quickly becomes our escort, leading our intrepid little trio past the bulwark of the castle, and onto the winding bricked road that slowly winds upwards.

Derpy is glued to my side, wide-eyed and watching with a nervous curiosity. Dinky is trying her best to imitate the marching of our escort, face twisted all stern, despite Derpy's best efforts to keep her daughter from wandering off.

I've been here a couple times with Twilight, mostly for quick chats or visits where I ended up waiting around. Which, considering whatever issue or question that the Designated Purple needed handled by Big White could take a while, meant it was a decent amount of sitting around. It's why I stopped coming, mostly.

This time though, standing center stage in front of the Thrones, and actually being the point of interest was pretty intimidating.

While the throne of Moons was empty, Celestia's Sun-Styled seat of royalty was currently sitting herself, in all of her glory. Wisping ethereal mane reminiscent of the northern lights, stark-white fur with the softest hint of pink. Her golden jewelry glinting in the midday light, head held high.

Our escort bows -- as does Derpy, who nudges Dinky with a wing to do the same. The filly seems smitten, staring with wide eyes. It takes a few nudges to get her to do an awkward half-lean, unable to take her eyes off the Princess. I know what's coming, but I still feel obligated to as well -- she's got some serious fucking aura.

A faint smile creeps across Celestia's lips as our escort announces our arrival, waving in our direction and taking a step aside.

"Thank you. That will be all." Celestia says softly -- despite that, her tone carries like a wave across the room, as if she said it right in front of me, barely a foot away -- and not across the room, nearly a story above us an a platform.

The escort recedes, as do the pair of guards posted by the door, marching back out of the throne room.

The moment the way into the throne room shuts with a loud clatter, it's like the mood entirely shifts.

Her benevolent, borderline matriarchal smile cracks into a wide, excited grin, hooves kneading the seat of her chair as a twinkle takes her eye. In a moment, she's encapsulated in a golden glow, and she disappears in a burst of swirling magic embers, leaving the throne empty.

Before she appears directly in front of us, the warm swirl of her magic dissipating and cascading around us.

"Nonny!" She grins, wrapping her feathery wings around all three of us and dragging us into her absurdly wide plumage, in an Alicorn-sized embrace.
"To think you'd come by Canterlot without stopping to say hello? -- I'm wounded!" She pouts, sticking out her tongue.

There she is. The Tia behind the scenes -- it's easier to see that side of her when she's not pulling regal status for the public.

"Sorry, but it's not my trip, I'm just a tagalong." I manage to squeeze out. She stares at me for a long moment, mulling over the excuse before a playful huff escapes the Princess.

She let's us go, wings furling as a wide smile stays settled on her face. Dinky is staring with damn near sparkling eyes, while poor Derpy just looks frazzled, stood still.

"So I can see! It's good to see you again, and just as good to finally meet your Marefriend. I knew somepony would tickle your fancy, eventually." She says, the excitement palpable in her tone. It's also much less omnipresent, and far more... normal.

"More like took my fancy in a choke-hold, but yeah, this is her." I smile, letting a hand rest on Derpy's shoulder.

Derpy blinks in surprise as Celestia is suddenly in her face, smiling widely.
"Derpy Hooves, I presume? Delightful to meet you. And this little one must be... hm... Doinky?" She barely stifles a snort, looking to the offended filly.

"It's Dinky!" Said filly squeaks in protest, eliciting a giggle from the Princess.

"Of course, my sincerest apologies. I hope you can forgive me." Celestia nods in apology.

"Hm... I'll consider it." Dinky hums, face scrunching.

"How truly benevolent of you, Dainty." Celestia barely manages to utter, squeezing down a chuckle.

"Dinky!" Dinky dinks in dinktest.

A proper chortle escapes the Princess as she covers her mouth with a bedazzled hoof, clearly enjoying herself. Dinky blows a raspberry at the Princess, while poor Derpy looks to me for any semblance of grounding.

I only shrug.
"Told you, she's pretty casual."

Derpy blinks a few times, looking to the Princess.
"Thank you, for your invitation, Princess Celes--"

"Oh, just call me Tia. If you're with Nonny, we're far beyond titles." Celestia cuts in, smiling.

"... Thank you, Princess Tia?" Derpy tries, eliciting another laugh out of the Princess.

"That works, too. I hope you're all enjoying the Festival?" Tia asks, starting to turn, intending to lead us further into the castle.

"It's very tasty!" Dinky beams, already hot on the Princesses heels.

Derpy looks to me again -- the poor thing just looks frazzled, all her expectations and worries clashing with the sheer opposite, if not being completely disregarded.

"Not what you expected, huh?" I grin. Getting a peek into the real side of Tia? Definitely not what I had expected on my original trip to the capital. "Threw me for a loop the first time, too."

"...She acts like she's your Aunt, Anon." Derpy mumbles, staring after her Daughter, and the Princess of the nation, as they giggle about their favorite type of candied apple but a few meters ahead.

"Yeah. Without her, I doubt I'd have settled into Equestria as well as I did. I owe her a lot." I muse, crossing my arms in a light reminiscing. The aid, the loans -- she was the one who set up my check-ins with Nurse Redheart, too.

"Like, we might not have ended up together without her?" Derpy asks softly. Part of me wants to agree, but the other part wants to believe I'd have ended up with this pretty little thing either way.

"I think that bubbled flank of yours was gonna find its way into my heart sooner or later -- but I think it's safe to say, thanks to her, it leant hard on sooner." I jest, looking to Derpy with a smile -- one that accentuates those exposed teeth that she seems so interested it. She picks up on it pretty quick, scoffing.

"Okay, beanpole -- keep that kind of talk down while we're doing... this whole royalty lunch thing. I'm still processing that you're this close to our Princess, and that my daughter is having a casual conversation about apples with her." Derpy retorts.

"It's candied apples -- wait, beanpole?" I snort incredulously.

"Like it? I've been stewing on that one for a while." Derpy chuffs proudly. "And I've got a few more up for peer review."

"Lucky me. Sure you're not compensating now because you heard the Princess call me Nonny?"

"N-no. I've been trying to think of a good one for a while."

"Something as good as Bubble-Butt?"

"Something as good as -- Pfft." She snickers. "Anon, you're just saying my Cutie Mark and my... flank. That's not clever. And I asked you --"

"Not to in front of other ponies, I remember." I shrug, leaning to leer at her.

Derpy lifts up off her front hooves, grabbing at my shirt. Still not sure how their hooves do that, but --
"And yet you're still doing it, Anon. Are you trying to make me angry?"

"...Maybe I like the way you get in my face when you are. Makes it easier to kiss you." I tease. That hard shift startles her, and she frowns.

Blonde tail, meet leg in a huffy smack. She tilts her head up, bringing her scrunching nose closer to mine.
"I told you, no flirting in front--" She starts, but freezes.

It's quiet. Too quiet.

We both pause, looking forward.

Dinky and Celestia are sat just up ahead, watching us with mixed reactions -- Dinky making a 'blegh' face, while Celestia grins wickedly.

"EW! Stop being gross and hurry up!" Dinky shouts, the call-out carrying across the empty throne room. Some serious reverb in here.

"Do they always do this?" Tia asks Dinky, giving us both a raised eyebrow.

"All the time." Dinky rolls her eyes, starting to trot along again. "They're all mushy and whispery and ooey-gooey when they think I'm not looking."

Celestia snorts, and gives us both a playful stare. She waits until Dinky has trotted ahead a little bit, before stepping closer towards us, lowering her voice.
"Think you two lovebirds can stay off each-other long enough for lunch? I've got quite the meal prepared -- but I can make accommodations in one of the guest rooms if that's not the case -- I wouldn't mind watching Dinky while you two get into the right... headspace." She teases, grinning deviously before breaking into a laugh, following after the impatient filly.

I don't think I've ever seen Derpy get so flushed, I could swear I see steam coming out of her ears. I'd feel bad, but I was busy trying to play off my own blush, exhaling hard. Flirt backfired.

"She's not serious, is she?" Derpy asks quietly, whispering to me while staring forward.

"...I think she is." I mutter back.

Clearing our throats, we quickly jog to catch up, Celestia throwing us both a knowing smile as we reach them again.

Tia's eating this up.

The Dining Room is egregiously sized. Like, this table could easily sit two dozen, long-ways. It's also very cozy. Sporting an unused Chimney that's nestled against the center wall, and with a direct hallway access to the kitchens winding outwards from the opposite wall.

Long, long stone table fashioned meticulously, with dozens of fancy chairs. Before Derpy can object, Dinky takes the head of the table -- only her horn is visible from over it. Some-pony needs a booster seat. Celestia finds this downright adorable, settling in right to Dinky's side, covering a giggle with a wing.

"Dinky, you don't--" Derpy starts to warn, but is waved off by Tia.

"It's alright, Miss Hooves. There's no set seating, here. If anything, I appreciate young Dinky's exuberant confidence. She carries herself well." She relays with a warm smile.

Dinky beams at this, of course, showing off those pearly whites plenty.

Derpy sighs in relief, settling into the chair opposite of Tia, to Dinky's other side. I take the chair beside Derpy, leaning on the table.

"I just try to make sure she remembers her manners." Derpy notes, looking to her cheeky daughter. Dinky grins, reaching a hoof out to her mom, who reaches one back in turn.

"Manners are important, but I can see how well young Dinky carries herself. You teach her well, if you'd allow me to say. She reminds me of one of my students, when she was young." Celestia says warmly, watching the pair.

I can see the almost wistful look in Tia's eyes.

"O-Oh! Thank you, Princess." Derpy nods, idly rubbing a hoof with the other. Don't think she had 'Compliments from the Princess' on her days agenda.

"Princess Tia." I whisper to Derpy, getting a worried glance. It's disarmed by Tia chuckling softly, and my own grin, as Derpy huffs.

"Miss Hooves may use whatever she is most comfortable with in reference to myself. I can understand that meeting royalty under such a premise can be... disarming, to say the least." Celestia surmizes, looking to Dinky as she raises a hoof.

"Can I be a Princess?" Dinky asks boldly. Poor Derpy looks like she nearly does a spit-take.

Celestia, of course, is nothing but bemused smiles.
"Perhaps. Nothing is truly off the table, and only the future knows what it holds. What would you be the Princess of, young Dinky?"

"...Teelee-Kee-Sneesis." Dinky slowly words out, grinning widely after.

Tia tilts her head, smiling through confusion.
"Princess of... Telekinesis?"

Dinky shakes hers, refuting it.
"Teelee-Kee-Sneesis."

"She... quite enjoys magic." Derpy tries to clarify, as Celestia looks over to us. "Even if the terms are a little... beyond her, at the moment."

"I dunno, I think she's got it locked down. I think Tia's got it wrong." I retort, giving Tia a tsk-tsk.

Celestia hums, tapping a hoof to her chin.
"Perhaps I do. Or perhaps, this 'Teelee-Kee-Sneesis' is a variant school of Telekinesis? This sounds like a worthy case study. Perhaps I'll have Twilight investigate, and interview young Dinky here on her findings."

Dinky grins at her mom, who just looks to me for... I don't think she even knows. Things went so left-field of her expectations, she's just been left frazzled.

"Sounds like she's got a hoof ahead on that schooling, huh?" I offer, trying to help ground Derpy.

"Oh?" Celestia hums, curious.

Her curiosity is stifled for the moment, however -- as the doors leading to the kitchen swing open.

Staff ponies slowly begin to filter in and out of the room, putting an accidental pause in our conversation. I don't think Tia was intentionally trying to wow us, but... they're rolling out one hell of a luncheon. Then again, I know how much these living reactors that call themselves 'Alicorns' eat. As if it isn't already blatantly made obvious by how half the plates are ending up in front of the Princess, specifically.

There's roughly half a dozen staff ponies, all dressed proper with heads held high, wheeling platters to be spread in front of us.

Talk about a variety spread. I didn't even know you could make that many versions of salads. Some kind of horse-friendly cherry-tomato hay-based pasta. A three-tier platter presenting a variety of numerous cake slices, each a different type. And it just keeps going.

That is, until I notice a few particular plates getting set in front of me, while a knowing smile sits on Tia's face. I didn't even realize it at first, but the staff member handling my particular dishes is a Griffon. Deviled eggs, seared fish, -- while it's certainly no hunk of steak, I recognize the hurdles she likely had to go through to get animal products handled on such short notice. I knew the Apples kept cows, but milk was one thing. Eggs? That's some serious pull.

So far, I'm enjoying Canterlot. A glance to Derpy shows she's looking a little whelmed at the large amount of plates, but I softly nudge her side to try to reel her back in.

The plating is starting to slow, as a final staff member comes out with a tray of drinks. Three glasses of something that's definitely been sitting in a barrel for a while -- and a juice box.

Dinky frowns at the staff member when she's not handed a glass, but the juice box, slurping it loudly in retaliation.

"Thank you." Tia nods, the last Staff-Pony bowing before promptly exiting. The doors to the kitchen slam shut, leaving us four alone again. Only now, with a good portion of the table absolutely covered in a variety of plates, each seemingly tailored to our own preferences.

Once the doors shut, Tia smiles widely, looking to each of us.
"I do hope that it's to your liking."

Derpy is staring wide-eyed at her own food. She blinks several times, before looking to the Princess.
"These are... Cloudsdale recipes?"

I thought her plates looked a little fluffier than ours. Now I realize it's literally. Several of her plates are decorated on little puffs of clouds.

"There's hardly an emigrated Pegasus alive that doesn't miss Cloudsdale to some degree -- I thought you might enjoy the reminder, at least in the form of its cuisine." Tia explains.

"I... don't know what to say, Princess. This is very..." Derpy trails off.

"You needn't say anything, Miss Hooves. I simply hope that you enjoy -- as do the two of you." Tia gestures to Dinky and Myself.

Dinky, obviously, already has half a brownie lodged down her throat. She makes an ungodly noise of acknowledgement, something akin to a primordial gurgle, before getting back to it. The top of it looks like it's sprinkled with... pop rocks? It sounds like it, the way they fizzle upon entry into the maw of the hungry filly.

I'm not quite so ambitious, taking a slow start on one of the eggs. Mm -- that's not a taste I expected to get anytime soon. Like a little sprinkle of old-home.

I'd just say home, but... a glance to the certain some-pony sat beside me thinking in right where I belong. Speaking of, Derpy is completely distracted by the array of food in front of her.

Derpy is poking at one of her plates, watching the little puff of cloud it was served on wobble, almost like jello. From what I remember, the last time she was at Cloudsdale was when she was a filly. Most of it looks like it was gathered off the side of a mountain, with some flair thrown in.

"Curious about the cuisine, Nonny?" Tia asks, picking up on my wandering gaze. Her plates are loaded with a mix if high-carb and sugar, like she needs constant energy.

"I'm just surprised how... specialized, this all looks." I nod.

"Well, for young Dinky here, Unicorns have a tendency to enjoy fizzy things, and sweets. Using magic takes energy, so they hold a natural interest in sugary short-term bursts, not unlike myself and my sister." Celestia explains, smiling at Dinky.

Well, that makes sense as to why she's such a fiend for treats, even moreso than normal ponies. That kid puts food away. Come to think of it, Twilight ate some pretty big portions too, and usually had a snack on hand. If she remembered. Self care isn't one of her strong suits.

"Explains a few things." I chuckle, glancing to Derpy's plate. Compared to some of the others, it looks very... simple.

"Why does Cloudsdale style food look like it was plucked off a bush off a mountain, and put on a fluffy cloud plate?" I ask, hoping not to offend.

"Oh, because it was." Derpy suddenly comments, glancing up to me. Tia hums, nodding in agreement.

"Really?" I prod, confused.

"Cloudsdale is very... traditionalist, and most Pegasi are very proud. So, while the Earth-Ponies have been the food suppliers for the tribes, Pegasi cuisine before the Three Tribes Unification was primarily scavenged fruits and vegetables from nearby mountains and forests -- whatever they could get without touching the ground." Derpy explains, turning to me. I'm a little surprised by just how invested she is in it.

"It's a small but beloved practice that perpetuates even today; and is perfect for anypony that misses that little taste of cloudy home. Cuisine made entirely by Pegasi efforts." Tia informs, before taking a bite of one of her numerous cake slices.

"This is... incredibly sweet of you, Princess. Thank you." Derpy says, smiling. Looks like nervous wall finally broke.

"Of course, Miss Hooves." Tia returns just as sweetly.

"Do other pony... types, feel the same way?" I ask, my curiosity still unfettered.

"The tribes? As far as I'm aware, only Pegasi feel so strongly towards Cloudsdale, as it's their only true home. Their history books speak of it as the first, and the magic that exudes from it is the strongest for their 'type'. As in, to fly in the skies around Cloudsdale is incomparable. Perfect wind drafts -- excuse you, Dinky." She cuts in, as Dinky fails to keep quiet one of her louder, primordial noises. "-- and an energy so brimming, there's a local phenomenon among Pegasi who haven't flown in a while." Celestia explains in further depth, waving a fork around. She only has to pause once for another ungodly noise escaping the filly. I think this festival made her even more food orientated. I'm reminded of those food-focused dogs back on earth.

"Twitchy-Wings?" Derpy perks up.

"That's the one." Tia nods.

"Used to get that all the time as a filly. It's why my father got me into the Wonder-Cadets, said he couldn't keep my hooves on the clouds for more than five seconds." She giggles, sighing.

"Here for the Wonderbolt track, then?" Tia asks.

"Oh, no, no. Here for Dinky." Derpy shakes her head. She casts me a warning side-eye. Unfortunately, it's ignored.

"She says, like she didn't rip around the clouds for an hour straight." I tease, fondly remembering that sloppy, excited kiss she gave me when she got back.

Pretty sure she remembers it too, the way Derpy looks like she's about to smack my shoulder with a wing, but pauses, remembering she's in the presence of a Princess. Unfortunately for me, not a Princess that was very intent on stopping such a flagrant assault on my person.

"Go ahead, he has it coming." Tia grins, goading Derpy. "Or shall I?" She offers, extending her own wing. With her wingspan, she could probably reach me across the table. Would probably actually fold me, too. Gulp.

Derpy tsks playfully, giving me a side-eye.
"...No, I'll let it slide this time."

"How noble of you, Miss Hooves."

The two stare for a moment, before breaking out into a giggle. I... think, Dinky gives me a weird look? Or she's looking for help. That's an entire unchewed brownie just... sinking into her open maw. It's kind of unnerving.

We spent some time focused on eating the incredible spread that had been laid before us, conversation slowly making way for eating. The odd question pervaded now and then, but now mostly empty plates were all that peppered the table. Tia, of course, is still idly snacking on a cake slice. She tends to eat them slowly, with a small fork, as if that counteracts the sheer volume of cake she slowly processes over the course of an hour.

I don't think I could manage another bite. I might even need to undo my belt. Slumped back in my seat, I'm feeling deeply content. This Canterlot trip has done wonders for my cravings. I might survive the next few months yet.

Alright, I'm being dramatic, but still.

A side-glance to check on my favorite mare affirms Derpy is in a similar position. She looks good. Like, not just her usual good -- because damn if that mare don't always look good -- but she doesn't look nearly as frazzled. She seems far more comfortable now, having found some common ground with the Princess.

Dinky looks ready to slip into another food coma, brownie smeared on her face, eyes glazed and distant, mouth agape. Standard fare at this point.

"Mm - I believe we got sidetracked." Celestia notes, dapping her mouth with a napkin. The only one of us who looks entirely unaffected by the sheer mass of food -- and is still eating, in the dessert phase now.

Both Derpy and I glance up, curious. Dinky, not so much. She's doing all she can to just stay... I want to say awake, but it almost feels more correct to say alive.

"I'd been meaning to ask, what brings you three to Canterlot? You said for Dinky -- The Career portion of the Festival, I assume?" Tia asks, smiling.

"Yes -- looking into future prospects for Dinky. Opportunities, when she's finished school." Derpy nods.

"A wonderful time and place to do so. Has the University caught your attention yet? I hear they're hosting an event this evening, including Scholarship tryouts." Tia offers with a hoof-wave.

"Scholarship tryouts?" I ask, curious. "I'm familiar with the terms separately, but I'm not quite seeing it."

"As I'm sure you're aware by now, Anon, Unicorns heavily value magic. Not just raw output, but specializations and skills." Tia explains.

"I'd imagine as much as Pegasi value flying." Derpy adds, to which Celestia nods.

"While proper academic application can certainly get you into a good school, impressive showcases of magic can equally do the same, and that's typically what most schools aim for during these events."

"So it'd be like a showcase of your talents, and if you're promising enough, you get a scholarship?"

"Correct. They have premade tests, if your skills align more traditionally, but are willing to entertain private hearings for more unique lines of magical application. Even if one is too young, they can have an offer placed in goodwill that can be taken upon when they reach the proper age. Are Scholarships not as common where you are from?" Celestia asks, tilting her head at me.

Well, I guess a ponies potential was a lot more blatant with their butt-marks and direct magic. The idea of getting a sport scholarship just by... actually, no, that tracks.

"Sure they are. I think we tend to take things a little slower, compared to you ponies, but it sounds about the same. Join a team, practice, train, and if you show good promise, they might pick you up." I shrug.

"I see. Not too dissimilar, then. Unicorns simply... gather that sooner. Despite their propensity for research and study, they're not the most patient group." Celestia hums, sipping at her tea.

I swear I hear Derpy mutter 'Tell me about it'. I snort.

"Are you involved with the event at all, Princess?" Derpy asks, catching Tia's attention.

"The University? I'm not, I'm afraid. I run my own private school, The School For Gifted Unicorns. Representing another academic avenue wouldn't be the greatest maneuver for one of my standing, I'm afraid, but the Nobles of Canterlot can be... picky. There are a few different institutions in Canterlot and it's surrounding regions that tend to occupy the same topic, because they want things done their way."

"Oh, I didn't know you taught!" Derpy says, surprised.

"Where Twilight got her schooling, right?" I ask, the name clicking a memory.

"Correct to both. While I'm not a faculty member, I do privately mentor a few individual students who show an immense aptitude, like young Sparkle. I suppose after a few hundred years, I've picked up enough to be seen as wise, though I doubt my late Mentor would agree." She chuckles softly, helping herself to another bite of her dwindling dessert.

"Well, I'm hoping Dinky at least gets a good look into it. Anon told me they took quite an interest in her, and recommended we attend. I don't want to force her into anything, of course, but... I'd love if she had the opportunity." Derpy explains, getting a curious tilt from Tia.

"Were you not at their booth yourself?" She asks, Derpy glancing away.

"Oh, she would have been, but remember, she was busy carving up the Wonderbolt track." I tease, nudging Derpy with an elbow.

"Anon!" Derpy hisses, her wing starting to wind up, smack inbound.

"Oh, you were serious before? Was that you competing with Rainbow Dash, Miss Hooves?" Tia asks, smiling widely.

"Y-you saw that?" Derpy stammers, hooves floating up to nervously stroke her mane, wing quickly folding back in.

"From my tower, actually. Were you ever a Wonder-Cadet, Miss Hooves?" Celestia asks playfully.

"I-I was, yes..."

"Hm. And what do you do now?"

"I'm a Mailmare, in Ponyville. Have been for years."

"Post-Master, then? An admirable if unexpected --" Celestia starts, raising her head high.

"No, just... Mail-Mare." Derpy corrects. There's a soft, somber tinge despite the weak smile.

I don't think Derpy notices, but I see the smile on Celestia's face falters, before her grin renews.

"There is no 'just', Miss Hooves. It's no less a vital role in the function of any town." Celestia follows, not missing a beat. "Especially the town that hosts my student, Twilight. I thank you for your dedicated service." Years of handling Dignitaries and Ambassadors have probably made her one tough nut to crack, and she steers the altercation with practiced social grace.

"Thank you, Princess. It's alright. I enjoy it, and gives me plenty of flight time, when I'm not stuck inside organizing the post or working desk. Not that I mind that work either, but, uh..." Derpy gets quiet, tapping her hooves together.

"It's always good to take pride in ones work." Celestia affirms softly.

"Right." Derpy sighs, staring at the table. Quietly, I place a hand on her leg in quiet support.
"Thank you, for all of this, Princess. It was wonderful to meet you, but I think we should get going. I want to make sure we've got plenty of time to prepare for the University's event."

"Of course; I thank you both for joining me, despite my... lackluster warning. I do hope the meal made up for the short notice." Celestia smiles, rising from the chair.

They devolve into a back and forth of thank-you's and of-courses, both trying to remain as polite as possible, meeting up around the side of the table. In the meantime, I slowly kilter back up to my legs, using the chair as support, checking on Dinky.

Food coma. She looks like a murder victim, slumped over the arm of the chair. I scoop the overfilled brownie-loaded filly, tucking her under my arm like a limp bagpipe.

"Oh -- Might I borrow Anon for a moment, before you go? I wish to discuss something in regards to his letter." Celestia asks, looking to me.

"Of course! Should I take Dinky? I can just wait here, or --"

"I've got Dinky, Derpy. She is out cold, and I've already got her. Should just be a second, yeah?" I look to Tia for affirmation, who nods to confirm.

Derpy nods, moving to stand by the entrance to the dining room, while Celestia and I speak by the table. Nothing terribly secretive since Tia doesn't seem to need Derpy to leave the room, but the fun smile that had been sat on her face for most of the afternoon has faded.

I lean close to Celestia as she starts to whisper into my ear, our backs turned to Derpy.
"Mail-mare? A Mare of her talents?"

"Yeah, with her... condition, you know. Strabismus."

"In your opinion, Anon, is she good at what she does? I have a hard time believing..." Celestia starts, but I cut her off.

"I'd argue the best Mail-Mare in the town, and I'd stake my other three limbs on it. I think she holds a few records, despite her occasional clumsiness, even. She's an incredible flier, an equally incredible mother, and knows where to take letters by knowing every single pony in town. Derpy is nothing short of amazing." I explain, making no effort to hide my admiration for her. Something Celestia picks up on, her head tilting back in soft surprise.

"...Hmm. I see." She mumbles after a long pause. "Thank you, Nonny. Keep in touch, will you? I have something to... look into, and getting your letters always turns a drab day at Court into an amusing one."

"Yeah, of course Tia. Why are you interested, though? Something the matter?" I chuckle, though it's a short one punctuated with soft concern.

"Just... curious about something. I'll tell it to you later, in a letter; that should inspire you to remember to write." She grins, getting a snort out of me. "Thank you for stopping by, Anon. Enjoy the festival, and best of luck to young Dinky... oh, goodness. I didn't know fillies could get so... rotund."

"She's as special as her mom. Just in... a few different ways. Oh -- Tia, before I go, I've got a quick question."

"Hmm? Of course, Nonny."

"I noticed you refer to Ponies differently, and it's probably just because you know them, but... why do you say Young Sparkle, but call Derpy Miss Hooves? Aren't they around the same age?" I ask. Not a burning or crazy question, but something I noticed during the dinner, talking about Tia's own school.

"...Out of respect. Not for age, but for something they've done." Tia answers softly, after a pause. "Because despite the difference in our years, our stations, she's something that I'll never be."

"A Mail-Mare? Mortal? Grey?" I guess, grinning. The smile quickly falls from my face, when I see the somber, distant look on Tia's.

"A Mother." She says simply.