A Kindred Spirit

Luna, seemingly a little exasperated, let the dream scene build as it would around us as she materialized two posh-looking chairs.

Yes. There is a lot of sensory input flying at me here; first the dream-jump, which was jarring in the first place, and now this materialization of two chairs (in great detail) from nothing, which was strange to see. I knew Luna must have had great experience with her magical abilities, but the ease with which she did all of this whilst obviously not focused upon such apparently menial things was honestly a bit staggering.

Anyhow, she cast herself into a chair with a decisive lack of poise for someone of her nobility (or any care in the matter, apparently) and put her forehooves to her face with a sigh, much in the way one would hold their head in their hands. I also took my seat, with a little more hesitancy. I mean, it was obviously for me, but I wasn't about to flop down in it. That would be imprudent.

After a short moment, she said;

"Not only are these dream entrances happening at random for you, but I have no idea why. I've pored through the castle records and I still can't find anything like this."

I didn't really have a response to this.

"That's..."

"Exactly," sprang Luna, bringing her front hooves down into a position much like an arm fold.

"I don't really know what to do in this situation but reactive damage control; rely on the disturbances caused by you dropping in on someone. If it wasn't somepony I knew well enough--" She darkened and lowered her voice "--or knew me well enough--" She returned to normal volume and lost some of the grimness-- "I would have been there faster. Granted, I didn't actually know what that occurrence's signature is at the time, but all the same."

I just nodded. Somehow, this simple, calm reaction began to cool her off a bit. She apologized, which I waved off as not a big deal. Her next line came out in a softer, more conversational tone.

"So...how was your day?"

"So you've been experiencing insomnia and enhanced night vision under influence of that?" Luna asked for confirmation, much like a doctor would.

"Mhm."

"Huh. Strange. As you've probably figured out, the thing is most likely modifying your circadian rhythm and enhancing your vision through magic of its own."

"Well, I've figured that much out," I deadpanned, leading to a little amused laugh from the princess.

"I'm not going to force you to continue wearing it, but I'd be pleased if you did." I could see where she was coming from with this; I had signed on as an assistant, but not as a living test subject. She wasn't going to force it on me, but the intrigue of what it was doing was immense; luckily I shared in that.

"Why not?" I asked brightly and in rhetoric, with the tiniest of shrugs.

"Ok then," said Luna, smiling.

"There's one other thing..." I began, a little uncertain of if this was worth her time or not.

"Yes?"

"Every time I see the medallion, the black inlay brings to mind the word "sable", and it just keeps bouncing off the back of my head. It's not like I'm consciously thinking of the word, it just keeps rebounding into my thoughts."

This prompted Luna to take on a pondering expression for a moment.

"Well... That's something like what an amnesiac pony would say after someone says their name. A name is very deeply ingrained into a pony, since most of the time it coincides with their cutie mark..."

This was intriguing, and I saw where this was headed.

"So you're saying that's my name, then? It's something predetermined, not chosen?"

"In short, yes, but it may just be a portion. As to your other question, yes, but again, only somewhat. The name for the foal comes to the parents in a sort of epiphany."

I nodded. It was right up my alley to learn the mechanics of pony society, as well as a little bit of psychology on the side.

"Tonight's been interesting, but I really must be back to Canterlot now. I have work to do--finally--and I need to see it through. Goodbye, Sable," she finished with a wink.

I bade her a good night, and she exited, leaving me to learn more about the dreamscape.

I awoke slowly, basking in the boundless glory of a morning on which one is allowed to sleep in. I stretched all the fibers of my being into a looser state, invoking with what is probably one of the most amazing sensations ever. Although, I will admit, it's a bit of a different experience when you're a pony... as are all things relating to the physique. Not finding it within me to care what time it was or if I should get up yet, I laid in the soft bed and let my mind build to full alertness as my body began to prime itself for the day to come.

Finally, after about 30 minutes of wonderful laziness, I figured it was time to get up. Still slow, I stepped onto the wooden floor and slowly walked over to the door, turning to gaze at the clock hanging next to the door as I did so.

Noon?! Really?! Damn, I slept a long time! My movements hastened as I opened the door and navigated downstairs.

Before I sated my ravenous hunger, I decided it would be best if I talked to Rarity first. I'd again entered her workroom without notice, which despite her obvious and justified absorption in her work I found astounding. I was a foot taller than the average pony, and even though I had a significant ability to be quiet when I wanted, I was still a bit clumsy due to the challenges presented by four hooves. I coughed politely to signal my presence. Rarity's response was pleasant and warm. However, she seemed to be sporting a bit of a repressed giggle expression...

"Oh! Good morning, darling. Did you finally get some sleep?"  I chuckled inwardly. Always so concerned, females are.

"Yes, thanks."

Having known me enough to realize my to-the-point persona, she quickly told me of the latest news pertaining to myself.

"Rainbow Dash was by earlier; let me tell you, she was not happy with your sleeping in. I told her about your insomnia, and she understood." Hope she wasn't defensive or rude about it... I have a feeling Dash isn't one who will simply give up at a confrontation like that. But then again...

Figuring now was the time to share this piece of information, I did so. "I learned my name... at least, a part of it."

Rarity brightened and turned to face me. "Really? That's great! So what are we going to call you, mister?"

"Sable," I said simply.

"Oh!" she interjected. "Like the color in cosmetics, or what?"

"Dear God I hope not," I said in little more than a whisper. It was enough for her to hear in the relatively quiet and ambient sound-dampening room, with its being filled with fabrics and all. This prompted her to begin a short peal of laughter.

I let go an uncomfortable expression at my contracting stomach. I was positively ravenous. My roommate noticed, evidently, as she pulled some coins from a purse, proceeding to say, "You must be starving! Here, take these bits and go to Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie will be able to find Rainbow Dash for you afterwards. Mind, the latter probably won't be happy with you," she warned, a bit of a light, teasing chide in her voice. I couldn't argue with her reasoning on taking the money and grabbing some food out, seeing as I had little chance of cooking something in my still unusual pony form, and trying to get her to cook was something far worse than taking these few little coins. As for Dash, I had reasons to believe the contrary...

Hang on-- Pinkie'll...How would she-- I drew a breath to speak, but then stopped momentarily before continuing to say in unison with the white mare in front of me, "It's Pinkie Pie, don't question it." She laughed and I cracked a grin and laughed softly.

"All right, off with you then," she urged with a playful expression. "I've got work to do and you've got some ponies to see." Her expression turned mock-persuasive; "Unless, that is, you'd want to model some clothing for me..."

"Nope, thanks," I said, playing along. I did realize that being of my proportions, nothing would fit me anyway, but that didn't stop me from picturing the horrors of it in my mind. I'm not the most masculine guy you'll ever meet, and I doubt any of you are either, but I have boundaries. Rarity have another short laugh before saying goodbye.

I stepped out into the warm air and picturesque skies of the little town of Ponyville, blinking rapidly before getting accustomed to the bright sun. Ponies were going about their everyday business, and I seemed to have caught the lunch rush as there were a lot of them about for what I could only assume was a workday. I walked down the soft dirt street with a relaxed but purposeful pace, taking in the sights. The town looked the part of a medieval village except for the distinct lack of stone, the egalitarian nature of the place, and the fact that everyone seemed to be happy for some reason or another; it's hard to imagine someplace with as much ambient happiness as this.

As I stepped in the door of the bizarre gingerbread building that was Sugarcube Corner and the bell above the door jingled, I felt I was steeled for anything that Pinkie would do. The dining area was empty, which was to be expected at this time of day. Then, there was the pink party projectile that was the forever ennigmatic Pinkie Pie. Of course, I was not expecting her to suddenly appear next to me with only a pink blur denotating her path, indicative of the fact she did not actually teleport.

"Hey! What's up?"

Using my force of will, I forged forth without giving off any signals of being perturbed by this insane form of movement.

"Hey Pinkie. I just came down to get some breakfast... or brunch, I guess."

"Well, whaddya want?" she asked. A rapid fire list of items followed. "We've got all sorts of muffins and cinnamon rolls and pastries and best of all, we've got cupcakes!" Pinkie appeared ready to burst into song.

"Uh, well, guess I'll have a couple of cupcakes, then."

"What kind?"

First thing that came to mind: "Umm, chocolate with chocolate icing?"

"Okey-dokey-lokey!" Pinkie bounced in her gravity-defying hops to the kitchen, singing a little song of some sort. I didn't know she'd have to make 'em fresh, or I'd have just picked something already made...

As she entered the kitchen, I let out a breath I wasn't exactly sure I'd been holding or not. She was different, that's for sure. I sat down at a small table and started to muse...

As Pinkie reappeared, I readied myself. However, this time she came in walking in a decidedly normal way, a small tray on her back carrying a half-dozen sugary treats. I wasn't exactly sure I made the best choice for having to follow Rainbow's vigorous training regimen after this, but I was forced to make a spur-of-the-moment decision. Oh well.

"Here ya go!" Pinkie swung the tray around and sat it on the table. She then stood expectantly to the side, and being inclined to oblige her, I took a bite of the cupcake.

That was the most chocolate-like icing and the lightest, fluffiest little cake I'd ever had the privilege of eating.

"This," I said, pointing to the small chunk of the offending confection remaining, "is the best cupcake I have ever eaten." I then proceeded to devour the rest of it.

Pinkie laughed happily and smiled. "I thought you'd like them!"

Dragging myself away from my feeding frenzy for a moment, I asked her my favor before she walked away. "And, hey, I need you to see if you can find Rainbow Dash for me. Rarity said you'd be able to."

"Of course I can! I'll go get her now!" Pinkie replied cheerily, before zipping out the door. Sometimes...

I finished my food.