The Conjuration Wizard

Aldin and I strolled through the vibrant streets of Canterlot, the city alive with the afternoon hustle and bustle. The heart of Equestria pulsed with energy, its marble spires reaching toward the heavens, glinting under the sun’s golden light.

With the Keep Watch spell active, I could savor the sights and sounds without sacrificing the precious rest I'd need before Luna’s next lesson in combat, which lately seemed more like an elaborate game of “How Many Times Can I Get Knocked on My Ass?”

Adapting to Luna's nocturnal rhythm had its perks, but daylight was no longer one of them. The sun, in all its unrelenting brilliance, had become a sworn adversary — a blazing orb that seemed intent on burning my eyes right out of their sockets.

Maybe Nightmare Moon had a point about the whole ‘eternal night’ shtick.

"I could always recreate the Penumbra cantrip," I muttered, squinting against the glare as I raised a hand to shield my face. "Though I’d probably look like some brooding villain. Then again, villains are usually the ones with all the cool shit. I’m getting close enough to tackle some wondrous item crafting. Maybe I’ll whip up a pair of enchanted shades. Or maybe a variant of—"

My musings were abruptly cut short as I spotted a familiar figure seated alone at a quaint patio diner. Shining Armor, Captain of the Solar Guard, was hunched over a small table, idly toying with a napkin. There was a nervous energy about him, the kind you’d see when someone is waiting for something or someone important. Curious, I nudged Aldin and inclined my head toward Shining before weaving through the crowd to join him.

Most of our encounters tended to be limited to hallway talk and the like. Brief moments of dialogue that usually were cut abruptly by either his work or my hunger for breakfast. Now was a rare moment of catching Shining both off the clock, and in daytime. It was as good of a time as any to catch up.

"Yo, Shining!" I called out as I approached, my voice cutting through the ambient noise of the city. "Mind if we join you?"

Shining looked up, and the tension in his shoulders melted away as recognition dawned on him. A small, relieved smile spread across his face. "Sebastian! Aldin! Please, have a seat." He gestured to the empty chair across from him.

Aldin fluttered down onto the back of the chair while I settled into the seat. "Waiting for someone special?" I asked, taking notice of the way his eyes darted to the streets nearby. That and there was the obvious fact that his chosen seating arrangement was a table for two.

"Yeah," he replied, his smile shifting over into something more genuine. "I’m waiting for Cadance. We’re having a late lunch together."

"Cadance, huh?" I said, my curiosity piqued. "You’ve mentioned her before, but I’ve never met the poor gal."

Shining’s face brightened, an almost dreamy expression overtaking his usual composed demeanor, despite my teasing. "She is incredible. Sebastian, I’m telling you, I still don’t believe how lucky I am! I’m living the dream!"

"Wow," I said with a grin. "Yep! Seems to me like our Captain is head over hooves in l-o-v-e."

"I am," he admitted with a slight blush beginning to tinge his cheeks. "She’s unlike anypony I’ve ever met."

Aldin hooted softly, and I patted his head, giving him the attention he sought. Shining wanted to speak about his lady friend, so I asked a question I knew he’d love to answer. "So, how did you two meet?"

Shining chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "It’s kind of a long story, but we met back when she was babysitting my little sister. We just... clicked. We’ve been close ever since."

"Little sister? I didn’t know you had a sister.”

He gave a small shrug. "It never came up, but you met her back in Ponyville.”

I stroked my chin, humming to myself as I connected the dots. "Aha! The marshmallow!”

"Yeah, Twilight — wait, marshmallow?”

Arms crossed, I nodded as if I’d known all along. "Ah, not Rarity then. Twilight Sparkle was going to be my next guess. But that’s not important! How does your sister feel about you smashing her babysitter?”

Shining blinked, confusion flickering across his face. "Huh?”

I held up a finger, a small smirk forming. "You know… bumping uglies!”

That only deepened his confusion. "Sebastian, what the buck are you talking about?”

Right, pony vocabulary. I tried again. "Getting one’s leg over?”

"...”

"Laying pipe? Doing the business?”

"We’re not starting a plumbing business if that’s what you’re asking.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Don’t worry about it, man. You don’t often hear about relationships that start from babysitting. Outside of certain... films.”

Shining nodded, the dreamy look returning to his eyes. "Yeah, she’s one of a kind. I’m really lucky to have her in my life."

Shining was so head over heels that it was like he was floating on air, practically up on cloud nine.

"So, what about you, Sebastian?" Shining asked, shifting the focus to me. "How's life as Luna's apprentice treating you?"

"Tons of studying and just as much sparring," I replied with a chuckle while rubbing at the back of my neck. "I’ve been quite busy since I started my apprenticeship under Luna. She does not hold back. Every session with her feels like she's testing my limits — physically and mentally. But, to be honest, I love the challenge. It’s tough, but I can feel myself growing a bit stronger every day. I her training might be turning me into a bit of a masochist," I added with a grin. “Nah. That’d be crazy.”

Shining mirrored my grin. "That's great to hear, not the masochist part... I think. But from what I hear from the guard and the castle staff, you're managing it all pretty well."

"Thanks," I said, feeling a swell of pride. "I'm giving it my all. My magic has been improving, my body is in the best shape I think it’s ever been, and I’ve been drinking plenty of milk."

We continued our little chat, swapping stories and banter to help with the passage of time. The more we talked, the more I felt a growing sense of contentment. A sense like I was right where I needed to be.

As the conversation went on, I noticed Shining glancing frequently toward the café entrance, his anticipation growing more evident with each passing minute. My man was clearly distracted, and it was starting to show.

Leaning back, I cradled the back of my head with my fingers, adopting a casual tone. "So, this 'Cadance' of yours... is she hot?"

Shining chuckled, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "You’ll see for yourself soon enough. She’s just running a bit late."

"Fair enough," I replied with a grin. "I’m looking forward to meeting her. Assuming she actually exists, of course..."

Shining’s tone turned incredulous. "Oh, she’s real all right! A lot more real than your marefriend, that’s for sure."

"I don’t have a marefriend."

"Yeah. That’s no surprise," Shining said with an overly exaggerated shake of his head. "You’ve got all the charm of vanilla ice cream. Just without the vanilla."

Shaking my head, I knew I had to clap back. "At least I can hold my own in a fight. I’ve heard your sparring tales, and let me tell you, I’ve heard of foals with better reflexes."

"Big talk coming from the guy who gets his tail handed to him by Princess Luna every other day," Shining shot back, grinning.

"Hey! I don’t have a tail! Also, she’s got a wicked right hook," I said, rubbing my jaw at the memory of our last bout. "Not that you’d know, since you’re always prancing around in that shiny gold armor of yours."

"That armor looks cool as buck," Shining retorted, giving me a playful jab in the chest. "Plus, Cadance has a thing for a stallion in armor. What’s your excuse?"

"Maybe she just likes you in spite of the armor," I teased, winking. "But hey, if I were as plain as you, I’d probably need the armor too."

"Plain, huh?" Shining laughed. "Better than being a glorified punching bag."

“This ‘punching bag’ has all the mares swooning!” I boasted.

“Sebastian, they’re swooning from all the nausea.”

"Touché," I raised my hands in the universal sign for mock surrender. "But just you wait! One of these days, I’m going to surprise everyone and actually win one of those matches."

"Sure buddy. I'll believe it when I see it," Shining said with a shake his head. "But hey, keep dreaming."

"My dreams are just the reality you haven’t woken up to yet!" I shot back, a confident smirk on my face.

"Sure, buddy," Shining replied with a roll of his eyes. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

“I’ll have you know, I don’t sleep at night," I said, flipping him the bird for emphasis.

Shining nudged me, his playful grin widening. "Hey, there she is," he said, nodding toward the approaching figure. "And yeah, she's hot."

Following the trail of his gaze, I almost fell right out my chair. Approaching us was a pink alicorn with a flowing mane of violet, rose, and gold. She carried herself with a grace that seemed effortless, and her eyes settled on Shining Armor. As she made her way to our table a genuine smile grew across her face.

The fuck.

Wow. I thought Shining meant… I don’t know! A different Cadance, not the Princess Cadance.

"Wow," I was in awe and all together genuinely surprised. "How’ did you manage to trick her into dating you?"

Shining chuckled, puffing out his chest with pride. "No tricks needed! I’m just that awesome."

Cadance approached, greeting Shining Armor with a brief nuzzle and a kiss on the cheek. Her gaze then turned to me, conveying a blend of curiosity and warmth.

"Sebastian, this is Cadance," Shining introduced with a touch of pride in his voice. "Cadance, this is my friend Sebastian."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sebastian," Cadance said, extending a hoof. "Shining's mentioned you a few times."

"Likewise," I replied, shaking her hoof. "I've heard good things. Shining's been bragging nonstop about how beautiful and amazing you are!"

Cadance blushed slightly, her smile softening. "Oh, has he now?"

Shining shot me a grateful look before turning his attention back to Cadance. "Well, you know, I might have said a thing or two..."

A comfortable silence settled over us, filled only by the ambient noise of the city. It was clear to me that Shining and Cadance were eager to get on with their date.

"Well, I'll go ahead and leave you two lovebirds to it," I said while taking a stand and stretching. "I don’t want to be in a third wheel situation."

"Actually, before you go," Shining interjected, "how about joining me for a drink or two at the Golden Horseshoe later? It's a popular haunt for the Solar Guard, and we could use a night out."

I considered the offer for a moment, realizing I hadn’t really had much downtime with Shining. Why not? I gave him a nod. "Sounds like a plan. I'll see you there."

Cadance smiled amiably at me. "It was nice meeting you, Sebastian. Have a good evening."

"Same to you, Cadance," I said, giving them a nod before turning to leave.

As I walked away, a sense of satisfaction settled in. Despite the rough patches and the constant adjustments to life in Equestria, I had found a place here — and some good friends to share it with. A smile snuck onto me as I made my way back through the bustling streets of Canterlot, eager for the evening ahead.

Aldin fluttered from my shoulder to circle above me. I called up to him, "How about we liberate some food from the castle’s kitchen before we hit the bar? Don’t want to drink on an empty stomach!"

Aldin hooted back in agreement.

"You’re right! I do have the best plans," I said with a grin. "Glad you agree with me, best-buddy."

_~_~_~_~_~_~_

The Golden Horseshoe.

A bar steeped in the evening's vibrant energy and filled the airs of good drinks and an even better time. The inviting glow of golden lamps threw about a cozy light over the bar’s crowd.

I found myself a quiet spot near the back, away from the rowdier patrons, and settled in. Aldin took up his favored position atop my shoulder. From his vantage point, Aldin surveyed the room, before ditching me to take flight to go hunt for his dinner. I watched him as he slipped out one of the bar’s open windows and vanished into the night.

Taking initiative, I flagged down the bartender and ordered a couple of drinks. Why not get a head start on refreshments while waiting for Shining to finally show? Before long the bar became filled with the welcoming sounds of clinking glasses and the low murmur of conversation. Every once in awhile a bursts of laughter cut through the aforementioned low hum of voices.

I must admit, Shining Armor had picked a great spot here.

A few sips later, Shining Armor arrived. It took him only a second to find me, sticking out like a sore thumb, at the back of the bar. A grin broke across his face as he made his way over. "Hey, Sebastian. Holding down the fort, I see."

"Of course," I replied, raising my glass in greeting. "And I secured us a prime spot too."

Shining slid into the seat across from me, signaling the bartender for another round. "So, how’d the rest of your day go? Anything exciting?"

"Not much," I admitted, leaning back in my chair. "Raided the kitchen, liberated a few of Celestia’s cakes. The usual.”

Shining chuckled, shaking his head. "I’m surprised you didn’t get lost on your way here."

"I have my ways," I said, smirking. "So, how long can you stay out tonight?"

Shining sighed but couldn’t hide the fond smile on his face. "Not too late. Cadance has me on a bit of a leash tonight. But it’s worth it. She’s amazing."

"No worries! I’ll make sure you get home to your girl," I vowed, raising my glass. "To Cadance."

"To Cadance," Shining echoed, clinking his glass against mine. We both took a long pull of our ciders. The alcohol already beginning to warming us from the inside out.

As the night went on, the drinks flowed freely and with it, so did the stories. Shining spun for me tales of his training days in the Solar Guard. In return I shared some of my more bizarre experiences in Canterlot. The drinks kept coming, and before long, we were both thoroughly tipsy.

"Y'know," Shining slurred, leaning heavily on the table, "you’re not so bad, Sebast-yawn. For a stallion who enjoys getting his ass kicked by Princess Luna on the regular."

"Thanks, I think," I giggled. "You’re not so bad yourself, for a guy who prances around in shiny armor all day."

The alcohol made everything far funnier than it probably was. Before long we burst into another fit of laughter. The bar was still lively, but time had begun to whittle down the crowd.

"S-Sebastian, buck, your name is too long," Shining struggled, trying to get my name out. "Seb? Seb! I have a secret! I’m not supposed to tell anypony, but you’re not a pony, so that makes it okay!"

I held up my hand, wiggling my fingers as if verifying his logic. "Yeah, that checks out."

Shining scooted closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Seb, can I tell you a secret?"

"I’m the best at keeping secrets," I said trying my damnedest to suppress my slurs. I am almost certain that I failed at it.

He took a deep breath, and took to glancing around to ensure sure no one was listening in on our conversation. "I got engaged a few days ago."

"Wow, congrats!" I exclaimed, genuinely thrilled for him. "Wait — to Cadance, right? Shining, if you fumble Cadance, I’m going to kill you. No one will find your body."

Shining jabbed me with his hoof. "I’m not fumbling anything!"

"I know," I said making sure to give just the right amount of shit over it. "Just making sure you know I’m not letting you screw this up." I raised my mug in toast. "To you and Cadance. May you have a lifetime of happiness together."

"Thanks, Seb," he said, clinking his mug against mine once more.

As we took another drink, I noticed a shift in Shining’s demeanor. He hesitated, then finally spoke up, his voice softer. "I haven’t told my little sister yet."

"Really? Why not?" I asked, surprised.

"I’m not sure," he admitted. "I guess I just haven’t found the right moment. She’s... special to me. I want to make sure I tell her in person."

I nodded, understanding. "Okay. I suppose that makes sense. Or that might just be the cider making me more agreeable. Anyways, I’m sure she will be thrilled when you finally get around to telling her."

"I hope so," he said as his tone took on a softer edge. "She has always been my little star. I just don’t know how she’ll react to the fact that I’m marrying her babysitter."

"Well, I’m sure it will all work out just fine. I’m sure your sister will be happy for you, but hey — if you ever need to fake your death, I’m your guy!"

Shining chuckled, taking another swig of his cider. "Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks, Seb."

We kept drinking, the conversation flowing easily as the night wore on. Aldin, having returned from his hunt, perched on my shoulder, occasionally pecking at my ear as if trying to remind me of something important. I absentmindedly scratched his head, focused more on the cider in front of me than anything else.

Shining Armor, already a few drinks in, was recounting a particularly hilarious story from his early days in the Guard, his laughter contagious. I found myself chuckling along. The alcohol had done a sublime job at dulling the edges of my usually sharp thoughts. The cider had a way of blurring things, making everything seem just a little less serious and just a little more manageable.

Shining leaned heavily on the table, his eyes half-lidded and a goofy grin adorned on his face. "You know, Seb," he slurred, "you’re... you’re alright. For a hooman? Human. I mean, not that I’ve met any other humans, but you’re... definitely the best one."

I laughed, spilling a bit of my drink in the process. "Thanks, Shiny. You’re not so bad yourself. For a pony."

He snorted, nearly choking on his cider. "A pony! That’s rich. You’re in Equestria, buddy. Ponies are the best there is! Why do you think the planet’s name is Equis? Bam!"

"Can’t argue with that," I said, wiping a tear of laughter from my eye. "Except maybe dragons. Or griffons. Or... I dunno, owls?" I glanced at Aldin, who blinked at me with disdain.

Shining Armor drunkenly slapped the table with a hoof. "Hey, don’t knock owls! They’re... they’re wise or something. Like, really wise."

"Yeah, Aldin’s got all the wisdom," I agreed, patting the little owl on the head. Aldin huffed and his feathers fluffed up. He was clearly unimpressed with our antics.

I shot a look at the clock hanging from the wall. It was nearing midnight. Oh no.

"Hey," I said, jabbing at Shining with an elbow of friendship. "It's getting late. We should probably get you home before Cadance comes looking for you."

"Yeah, yeah," Shining muttered, trying to stand up but wobbling like a newborn foal. "Just one more drink..."

"Come on, Shiny," I said clambering to my feet and helping him up. "Let's get you back to your fiancée."

Laughing and leaning on each other to not face plant. Shining and I stumbled our way out of the Golden Horseshoe. The cool night air provided a refreshing contrast to the bar's warmth, as the usually lively streets of Canterlot now lay hushed, save for the echoing sound of our footsteps in the quiet night.

Shining Armor draped a hoof over my shoulder, and we began our unsteady, drunken journey back to the castle. Aldin flew ahead, his silent wings cutting through the night as he led the way with a patience I could only admire.

"Hey, Seb," Shining mumbled as we navigated the darkened streets. "Did I ever tell you... 'bout the time I fought an alpha timberwolf?"

"Can’t say you have," I replied, doing my best to keep us both from toppling over. "But now’s as good a time as any."

"It was... it was huge," Shining said, stretching his hooves wide in a clumsy gesture. "Big wooden head, sharp teeth, and I was all like, ‘Not today, wolf!’ And it was like, ‘Roar!’ But I like, totally beat it."

"Wow," I said, grinning. "You’re a real hero, Shining. Quite the knight in ‘Shining Armor’!"

He puffed out his chest proudly, completely missing the pun. "Darn right. And you... you’re pretty awesome too. I mean, you’re a drunk on two legs! That’s... that’s something special."

I chuckled, slinging an arm around him to keep ourselves steady. "Thanks, man. Now, which way to Cadance’s room?"

Shining squinted down the corridor, swaying slightly as he tried to focus. "That way," he said with booze-fueled certainty, pointing a hoof directly at a nearby wall.

Aldin, ever the voice of reason, fluttered to my other shoulder, his weight a comforting presence as we navigated the castle’s labyrinthine halls. Every few steps, Shining would pause, squinting at his surroundings as if the walls might shift and guide him. I did my best to keep us on course. Despite my best efforts we occasionally would take detours into walls, columns, and once a rather startled guard who wisely chose not to comment.

Our laughter echoed through the thankfully empty hallways. After what felt like an eternity of drunken stumbling, we finally arrived at a set of double doors with the engravings of hearts covering its surfaces. Shining grinned, his expression becoming one of relief and triumph. "This is it! Cadance’s room."

I helped him steady himself, making a half-hearted attempt to smooth out his disheveled mane. "Alright, buddy. Time to see your girl."

The doors swung open, and there stood Cadance, her expression a mix of relief and amusement. "Shining, you're back," she said warmly.

"Cadance!" Shining exclaimed, staggering forward and nearly tripping over his own hooves. "Told you I’d be back."

She caught him with her magic, her smile softening into something more tender. "You certainly did. And who do I have to thank for bringing him back in one piece?"

"That would be me," I said, attempting a small, unsteady bow. "Just doing my duty as a friend."

Cadance laughed softly. "Well, thank you, Sebastian. I’ll take it from here."

As she guided Shining further into the room, I turned to leave. As I drunkenly fumbled with the door, I could hear Cadance’s voice drop to a sultry whisper. "You know, Shining, I’ve been waiting for you."

Oh… oh no.

I froze, glancing back just in time to see her leading him toward the bed, her intentions crystal clear, even through my alcohol-fogged mind. A leash floated beside her in her magical grip — and the room was notably devoid of any actual pets.

Shining’s eyes widened, his dopey grin returning as he followed her. "Really?"

"Really," she purred, pulling him closer to the bed.

Within my mind, I screamed.

A temporary bout of soberness blessed me with the steady hands and mind to find out how to get through the doorway. I quickly stepped out of the room, closing the door behind me just as the sounds of their overly passionate reunion began to spill out. I hurried down the hall, trying — and failing — to suppress a fit of drunken laughter that bubbled up from deep within me.

"Well, best-buddy," I slurred to Aldin, who responded with a soft hoot, "I’d say our mission is accomplished. Now, let's find our way back to our room without getting hopelessly lost."

The castle's labyrinthine halls seemed more winding than ever, my vision blurred as I wobbled forward. Trusting in Aldin’s sobriety to guide me, I followed his fluttering silhouette, trying to stay upright while the world tilted beneath my feet.

Everything around me seemed to spin, the ornate tapestries and polished stone blurring together as my footsteps echoed loudly in the quiet of night. Aldin flew ahead, his path steady while I stumbled and chuckled to myself about Shining Armor, Cadance, and leashes.

As I rounded a corner, lost in my own drunken thoughts, I nearly collided with a figure who seemed to materialize out of the shadows. Blinking to focus, I realized it was Luna.

"Sebastian," she said, her voice tinged with surprise. "Are you ok?"

"Luna!" I exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across my face. "Better than ok! I was just, uh, helping Shining Armor find his way back to Cadance. They’re... they’re fuckin’ right now!"

I snickered, unable to hold back my laughter.

Luna raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "I see. And it appears you've indulged in some drinks."

"Yup! The Golden Horseshoe," I said, nodding enthusiastically. "Great place. You should try drinking sometime! Bet you’d make a fantastic drunk!"

She chuckled softly. "Perhaps. But for now, I think you need to rest. You’re quite... inebriated."

"In-ebri... what now?" I slurred, leaning against the wall for support. "Oh, you mean drunk! Yep, definitely drunk."

Luna's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Indeed. It seems you could use some help finding your way back to your quarters."

"Probably," I admitted, swaying slightly. "These halls are... very twisty."

She stepped closer, her presence both calming and captivating. "Allow me to assist you, then."

I nodded ever grateful for her help in this drunken march. I must have drank more than I thought, because I found myself admiring her features far more than normal. Something about the way the moonlight accentuated her already stunning features. "You know, Luna," I said, words slurring slightly, "you’re really pretty. Like, really pretty."

She raised an eyebrow, a small smile adorning her. "Is that so?"

"Yeah," I continued, my drunken honesty in full swing. "You’re like... a goddess of the night or something. And you’re nice. And smart. And you smell good."

As she guided me through the halls, I kept rambling. "You know, Luna, you're... you're amazing. Like, really amazing. And your mane is... it's so shiny! And your eyes... wow."

Luna chuckled softly, a faint pink tinge coloring her cheeks. "Thank you, Sebastian. I appreciate your compliments."

"No problem," I said, nearly tripping over my own feet. "Anything for you."

We continued down the corridor, my drunken ramblings filling the silence. "You’re also really smart. And powerful. And just... really cool. Did I mention pretty? Because you’re really, really pretty."

"Yes, you mentioned that," she laughed, a melodious sound that made my heart feel lighter. "Thank you, Sebastian. That’s very kind of you to say."

"It’s true," I insisted, stumbling a bit and grabbing onto her for support. "And you’ve been really good to me. Helping me with... everything."

She steadied me, her touch gentle and reassuring. "It’s been my pleasure, Sebastian. You’ve proven to be a wonderful apprentice."

"You mean it?" I asked, my eyes wide and hopeful despite my slurred speech. "I just want to make you proud."

"You already have," Luna said softly. "You’ve come a long way in a short time."

"Really?" I asked, my eyes wide with surprise. "I suppose that makes sense. You’re like, the best mentor ever. And a great friend too."

Luna’s expression softened, and she looked thoughtful for a moment. "Thank you. I value our friendship as well."

"You know," I said, leaning a bit more on her for support, "we should hang out. Have some fun. Whatever you want to do. Doesn’t have to be sparring or magic stuff. Could be anything. Just... you and me, having a good ol’ time."

Luna’s expression softened, and she looked thoughtful for a moment. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Sebastian. I’d love that."

"Awesome," I said, grinning. "We can... go stargazing. Or... explore the castle. Whatever you want. Just something fun."

Luna chuckled softly. "We shall see. But for now, let’s get you to bed."

We finally reached my room, and Luna helped me fumble with the Arcane Locked door. As it swung open, I turned to her with a goofy grin. "Thanks for walking me back and putting up with me being... well, drunk. You’re a real saint."

"You're welcome, Sebastian," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Luna," I said, watching her leave before flopping onto my bed with a contented sigh. Aldin settled into his nest on the bookshelves, and I drifted off to sleep, a smile still on my face.

Dreams of leashes, alcohol, and winding hallways awaited me.