Why a princess would dwell in a library was beyond me, but I can definitely applaud such a noble choice of residence. At least I would have expected something grand and stately, Greek temples and marble columns, something that looked a little like a palace. Instead what the ponies had let me to was a big, wide tree. You see, this library was literally built into the tree. It wasn’t just a treehouse or anything, it was carved into the tree and fitted with windows and balconies and such. The craziest thing was that the tree was still alive- it had leaves all over and was still fully rooted. Yes, it was pretty whimsical, just like almost everything I had seen. Still, it looked like it would make a lovely home.

Two white male (Notable, considering the seemingly female-skewed gender ratio I have observed so far) winged ponies stand at the door, completely motionless and emotionless. They stand out because of the golden armor and plumed helmets they wear. Doesn’t look too suited for combat, considering that most of their bodies are still exposed, but definitely very shiny and impressive. Their presence makes me slightly less incredulous at my destination.

Words escape my mouth.

“So… that’s it? Do I need some kind of special arrangement to meet her?”

Pinkie speaks up.

“No! Trust me, I know her, she would be happy to meet someone like you!”

“Thanks…. Well, I guess goodbye to you two for now. I have a royal audience I need to attend, and, um… I’ll try to meet you… never got your name?” I said, referring to the first pony that had encountered me.

“Sunny. Sunny Days.”

“Oh. All right then, I’m going in… Sunny. Well, farewell. You’ve been a good friend.”

Well, not completely. She’d been a bit snippy and cynical around me… but something in her, she sounded like me, a good heart, but a little weary and jaded. Then again, she did seem a bit cynical compared to my optimism.

No matter. I started pacing for the door of the structure. No reaction from the guards, but a stealing glance I barely detected. I got closer and closer, coming into their close vicinity. I must have made a step too close to ignore, because they got alert and hostile.

In the blink of an eye they activated some kind of spring-loaded armor mechanism to extend sharp-looking spears, and jolted up to me. Their blades came dangerously close to my neck. I could have feasibly tried to take them on in combat, but aggravating this situation is something that I must avoid. The tougher-looking one spoke up.

“”Halt! Stand down or you will taken into custody, by her Majesty’s authority!”

“Look, I can understand your caution and hostility, but I… have no hostile intent. I was only-“

Before I can finish trying to placate them, I hear someone behind me. It’s Sunny.

“Hey! What are you doing! He’s here because he should have an audience with the princess!”

The two gruff assholes turn to her.

“What do you know of this creature?”

“I… I met him outside of town. He came off as reasonable and… peaceful, so I directed him here.”

The two soldiers were going to respond, but before they can speak a fourth voice enters the fray.

“Guards? Has there been a disturbance?”

“Yes, your highness. Some creature has wandered into the town and is here for an audience.” He makes a quick aside to me. “I… apologize for this… standoff.”

“I’m not displeased, uh, sir. You responded in a perfectly understandable way to my arrival.”

In a few seconds, she comes out the door. The princess, I guess. Didn’t look that much different from any other “pony,” purple (lavender?) fur, darker mane/tail, a bit of striping.. What is striking is that she has a horn, in addition to a massive set of wings on her flanks. That makes her what, a pegacorn? She also has a bit of royal regalia, all golden; a thing to go around her neck, elegant looking shoes (Not horseshoes, different… shoes), and a crown atop her head. Her mane is styled in a special way, curvy and flat-cut. And now that she’s out here, she sees me.

“Are you-“

“Your pink friend directed me here. I was looking for somewhere I could discuss my situation. So… here I am. I want an audience. With you. Please?”

She sighs.

“Come in…”

And I followed her in. The guards stayed outside. How considerate of them, even if it may be irresponsible. The door barely admitted me, but I didn’t have to crouch down. Seeing the interior, I could see that the room had not been built inside the tree in any sense, but rather hollowed out. Cozy. Numerous bookshelves in the walls, a few doors and stairways leading to other areas. I walk over and sit on the steps.

“Spike! Come down here!”

One of the second-floor doors burst open pretty quickly. Out popped this purple-with-green-bellied… reptile?

“Twilight! I’m-woah! What’s going on here? What are those?”

And he can speak.

“Calm down, Spike. I let him in here to speak with me. You can come down.”

“Who- what are you?” I said.

“Spike. Young dragon- I’m the princess’s assistant!”\

“A dragon? Heh,” I say while continually chuckling.

“Spike, I want you to record this conversation. Could you get some paper?”

“On it!”

She turned to me.

“Right! I have some important questions I need to ask to understand the situation. May I-“

“Sure, sure. I am happy to answer them,” I say.

“First. Who are you?”

Author's Note

The more I write this, the more I feel it's terribly cliched. Please help me by forming your criticisms.