And Suddenly, I'm Fluttershy

To Canterlot!

Bartholomew

I trotted towards the library, this time wary of any sudden interruptions. Fortunately, there were none for once. I pondered upon this incredible luck as I opened the door to the library. As you can probably tell, my luck didn't hold. Oh  well.

"Mmm, where are all my quills!?!" I heard Twilight yell worriedly.

I trotted over to where the elements were standing.

"What's got Vampire- I mean, Twilight so worked up?" I asked.

"The Princess's given her a test and she's freaking out over it," Applejack replied.

I watched as she magically pulled an oversized book off a shelf.

"I think this is a bit excessive. Ooh, that's gotta hurt," I said as the book fell on Spike.

"Well, she's a bit... Obsessive-Compulsive. She does this about nearly everything."

I continued to watch her as she darted around. "Man, she's worse than me when I have to host DnD night."

"I think she's takin' it pretty well, considerin'.

She promptly exploded.

"You were saying?" I asked.

"Hmm. I stand corrected. Anyways, y'all should probably pack up. We're leaving for Canterlot soon."

"Oh come on! I just wanted some history books, is that too much to ask? Instead I have to go to Camelot! And you guys are ok with this?"

"She's the princess, darling. It is our duty as Equestrian citizens to do as she says."

"You're all mental! And I should know!"

"I don't know what you're worried about, I can pack in ten seconds flat," boasted Rainbow.

I sighed and turned to go. Why can't anything go well?

The train ride to Canterlot was brief. From what I learned, it is the capital of Equestria, and the third largest hub of trade in the world. It would be the first but it's on a mountain and not even remotely close to a sea.

After disembarking from the train, we headed to the castle. While Twilight had a private meeting with Celestia, I (and the other ponies) decided to snoop around.

I wandered through the castle hopelessly lost. I really wasn't surprised by that, in fact, I expected to get lost sooner. As I wandered, I heard a faint melody drifting through the halls.

I walked about, attempting to find the source. The melody itself, while I couldn't make it out clearly, it seemed strangely familiar.

As I grew closer, I caught the words, and the melody, a melody which I knew all too well.

I turned the corner to find Luna standing on a balcony.

Around us for gladness the bluebells were ringing,

Ah!  little I knew then how soon we should part.

Still glows the bright sunshine o'er valley and mountain,

Still warbles the blackbird its note from the tree;

Still trembles the moonbeam on streamlet and fountain,

But what are the beauties of nature to me?

With sorrow, deep sorrow, my bosom is laden,

All day I go mourning in search of my love;

Ye echoes, oh, tell me, where is the sweet maiden?"

"She sleeps 'neath the green turf down by the ashgrove," I replied.

She started.

"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. If I could go back, I would, I certainly would."

"Begone. Thou art not welcome here."

I trotted up to her. "I can't imagine the pain you're going through. Even a loveless sod like me knows that losing a loved one is worse than having your life turned around.

"If I could go back to the life I lead,

Yes I would,

If I could,

I surely would.

Mmm-mmm.

If I can't I'd try until I'm dead,

Yes I would,

If I could,

I surely would.

Mmm-mmm.

Away, I'd rather sail away,

Like a swan that's here and gone.

A man get tied up to the ground,

He gives the earth

It's saddest sound,

It's saddest sound.

Mmm-mmm."

Luna began;

"I'd like to see Fluttershy once again,

Yes I would,

If I could,

I surely would.

Mmm-mmm.

Without her all I seem to feel is pain,

I loved her,

Yes I did,

I surely did,

Mmm-mmm."

"I'd hate to break this beautiful moment, but I feel that you should be left alone," I said.

For her part, she slumped to the floor crying. For mine, I turned and quietly walked out, wiping my own tears from my eyes.