private A Cultural Exchange 1x1 with Randimaxis

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Taps stood there for a moment, quietly regarding the unicorn, though she certainly did feel a bit of remorse at seeing this happen.  Then again, she'd cried herself earlier; she couldn't blame him, nor would she prod him about it.

 

"When Her Ma-..." 

 

She took a breath, then started over.

 

"When Celestia first brought me onboard her Royal Guard, I had been both elated and scared for the future... but I stood with conviction.  I really BELIEVED in what I was doing.  Then, after my assignment to the Special Forces division, I felt utterly invincible.  I kept that conviction and invincibility through a number of years... but it didn't last forever."

 

She made her way around the desk to where Illiad was seated, and sat across from him accordingly.

 

"I may not have involved myself in local affairs, but I wasn't wearing blinders, either - I could see each thing you've said here, long before it actually happened.  I even tried to head off a few things, as well... and I met with the level of success you would assume.  It frustrated me to no end... but I didn't question whether what I was doing was RIGHT; just the results."

 

"Then, a number of years back, I realized that I'd been effectively trapped here: I couldn't just leave it, nor could I hand it over to anypony else - could you imagine the problems from training alone? - but, worst of all, I'd left everything I had ever known far in my past, and had allowed what I could have been to be stolen by what I had become."

 

She shrugged, but there was a sympathy there... in fact, she felt a tad guilty.

 

"I guess... in my own, stubborn, angry way, I was simply trying to make sure you realized that it's okay to question oneself, and one's motives.  I keep hearing about how you're so adamant about Celestia, yet I don't know if you've ever considered questioning Luna's motives as well.  Those who don't give that some thought can easily end up as nothing but pawns - your own words - and I'd like to believe life is bigger... better than that for someone like you.  Trust me, it isn't worth simply being a blind tool for another's aims."  

 

"What's more, you still have options; Illiad, if this power, whatever it is, ever passes to another, you'll still have a chance at a life.  Something you can enjoy.  Me?"

 

She huffed a hard sigh, then looked at Illiad directly.

 

"If I ever gave up on this - ALL of it - I'd have nothing.  Nothing at all.  You see, when you've committed your life to something as long as I have, you don't KNOW anything else.  Worse, live long enough, and you'll come to realize it too.  If I renounced Celestia's ways now, I'd have nothing left to believe in... no purpose.  And likely STILL immortal, or at least as long as I can maintain, I suppose... I have no idea how long my service will last - but it's all I have, Illiad."

 

She closed her eyes.

 

"I... I am sorry for causing you such distress.  At times, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure of your debate; you don't leave me much room to defend myself with."

 

She chuckled, then opened her mismatched eyes, focusing on the Trojan seated in front of her.

 

"Truth be told?  You've given me more food for thought than anypony has for decades; not easy to entertain someone who's seen as much as I have, but you make me feel inefficient.  Not bad."

 

She reached behind her, produced a hankerchief from her satchel, then held it out towards Illiad Easle.

 

"Here; what say we keep our political opinions to ourselves - darts and all - and we simply try to give each other a chance to learn about the PONY behind the politics?  For example: You're healthy, and you stick to healthy foods - that leads me to believe you have a lot of concern for personal care and, even if you don't like exercise, you'll do it.  There's a sense of responsibility in that too, as well as forethought - both hallmarks of intelligent folk."

 

"You're well-spoken, which only adds to the studious past you had, working at the library in Canterlot.  Also because of this, you have a sense of pride that you wear well, and you come across as serious about your duty as I am mine.  Proof of the RIGHT kind of stallion to be, in my opinion."

 

"You're handsome, it's no secret," she grinned, "even though you're FAR from my type, to be honest.  But Silver certainly seems to have taken quite the shine to you, and for THAT mare to notice anypony romantically is a miracle!  Plus, you have a charm that's innate; you just seem to be made for dealing with the public, a good bet that you'll be doing some of that when you and Mister Hooves take the election in Troy."

 

She stood up, and offered Illiad a hoof... and an apologetic smile.

 

"But we're not supposed to be talking politics anymore, are we?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

"Heh," A slight smile came to Illiad's face as he accepted the offered hankerchief, which he then used to wipe the tears from his face. The diamond rolled back to him and he returned it to its place in his robes. "I was serious when I spoke earlier, you'd have to kill me to take over as the balance. Much like the elements of harmony, it's something I'll be carrying until I die unless I get disconnected like Luna and Celestia did. I don't really see that happening as I doubt I'd ever be immortal like them, so I never really thought what it'd be like if it passed off of me. I'd still be a designer I guess, living in Troy. This burden isn't my everything like yours is."

 

He looked up with a slightly bigger smile than before, yet a tad suppressed from the one he had been wearing around the quarry, "I suppose I could agree to call a truce to talks on the princesses and other politics. And to be honest, you're not so bad yourself. Few have been able to put me on such guard like you have, it seems it was quite the challenge for the both of us."

 

He took a deep breath as he stood up, "I guess I'm at the disadvantage to learn about you since you seem to have been keeping tabs on me, but you look pretty healthy too and you must be pretty well trained physically given your time in getting Luna here a few days ago. You're also much better with your words than I suppose anyone would expect given your disinclination to speak at all, plus you're nice to look at as well, though I'm biased in saying not quite as nice as Silver, but I suppose it's for the best that I was attracted to her given our differing ideologies. Despite that, I think we could still be friends so long as we are able to keep the politics out of it."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Taps returned Illiad's smile.  "Wholly agreed - I'd rather have an ally than an enemy, any day."

 

She made her way back behind her counter, almost dwarfed by it until she sat on the tall stool.

 

"By the way, after everything that had gone on yesterday, I felt you'd earned some applause for all you'd done... so I capped the Pillow last night; everyone remembers everything they would have normally - including Daxie, here.  I thought you'd appreciate some recognition."

 

She looked at Dax closely, then smiled.

 

"Okay, here he comes... oh, and one more thing?"  She smiled mischievously.  "You don't have to burn the second letter until AFTER you read it.  I don't think I mind, anymore."

 

"... mmmmrrrrrrrgggghhhh..."

 

Taps straightened up, and tossed the unicorn a conspiratorial wink as Dax slowly roused from whatever magic had been used on him.  He blinked rapidly, then looked at them both.

 

"... did... uhm, did I miss something?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis

 

Illiad's expression looked relieved as he turned to Dax, the excuse he had prepped earlier ready to go. "Glad to see you're awake, you took a nasty spill but Selena was able to patch you up quick and assured us you'd be okay so we didn't go get Ziggy. As to whether you missed something, what's the last thing you remember?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax scratched his head a bit, his thoughts muzzy and thick.

 

"We'd... come inside the Pony Express office to... to see Taps about... about..."

 

She took the moment to give the Cooler Pack a little push towards him.  The sight of it triggered the memory, and to the Empathic, it felt as if Dax's pilot light finally caught.

 

"OH!  Oh yeah!  We were here to ask if Taps had anything that would be a good gift for a mailpony, right?  Is this it?"

 

Dax looked over the pack for a moment before giving Illiad and Taps a glance.

 

"What is it?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis

 

Illiad nodded with a smile, "Oh good you didn't miss much at all. This is, apparently, a cooler pack. By my understanding it's basically the opposite of a jacket, cooling rather than warming by using water that can also be drunk. Rather useful I would say."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Though he seemed a bit confused, Dax shook his head to clear the cobwebs, then gave a smile, tentative at first, but growing as he spoke.

 

"Okay... yeah, hey!  This'll work PERFECTLY, won't it Illiad?  We'll take it!"  He reached for it... then stopped and looked at Taps.  "It IS okay to take it, isn't it?"

 

Taps waved it away.  "Yes, do - all yours, Dax."

 

He seemed quite happy to have found something unique... yet Taps herself seemed happier still; she'd found a friend after all, it seemed... just in the most unlikely of places.  She grinned at the two of them.  "Thanks so much, Taps - you're great!"

 

The pegasus mare chuckled softly.  "No, no... I'm just me.  You're welcome, Daxter - make sure to send a postcard from Troy when you get there," she looked to Illiad, "and make it a scenic one - I might wish to imagine myself there, someday."

 

Dax nodded.  "And how!  C'mon, Illiad - I haven't even packed for the trip!  We could head down to the camp and-... say... you haven't even seen my room in the manor, have you?  You feel like helping me pack?"

 

As he spoke, he headed for the door, lost in his conversation with his best friend; he did give Taps a wave as he departed.  A wave she returned with a touch of disappointment and a dash of hope for the future... and a smile for Illiad Easle.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad's smile quirked as he started out of the building, "Well, Troy isn't all that scenic being a desert, but I think we'll be able to find something to pique your interest."

 

He turned back towards Dax as they started moving, "I guess I haven't seen your room yet, I'd be happy to help you get started before dinner, though there'll be plenty of time to finish packing before we leave tomorrow, especially considering how many of the ponies here want to talk to me before we leave. Nonetheless, I'll follow where ever you want to go."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax grinned, and headed for the manor.

 

It was certainly interesting to see how Dax seemingly shrugged off whatever it was that Taps/Steel Wheels had done to him; he just rolled on as if nothing had happened out of the ordinary.  It gave pause to wonder if Taps had ever used that on anypony else...

 

However, there seemed to be no ill affects, and one would assume that Taps knew a little something about her charges, so it was fairly safe to assume he wouldn't suffer any harm from it.

 

As they reached the manor, they arrived just in time for Vylia's opulent carriage to roll into view; she had apparently been out, and was now home.  A number of packages were stacked and bound to the roof, looking as if they wouldn't budge from anything less than a hydra attack.  The twins were unhooking themselves from the contraption as Illiad and Dax walked up, and they both smiled at the pair.

 

"Greetings!" said Call, smiling broadly at the Trojan.

 

"Salutations!" said Beck, happy to see them both.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad smiled and waved at the pair as he approached with Dax, "And a good day to you two, all is well in the outside world I presume?"

 

He took a moment to inspect the pile of boxes as he passed, perhaps it was a habit from his younger days when his parents would come home with boxes, but he was interested in where they boxes had come from. Way back when it would indicate if it was something cool or something mundane. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Illiad got his response, but not from the butlers.

 

"As well as can be on a shopping trip!"

 

The mistress of the manor, Vylia Blackwater, leapt lightly out of the carriage and landed on her freshly-manicured hooves.  She sauntered up to the four of them, smiling coquettishly.

 

"I'm sure you're wondering what all this is about, hmmmm?  Well, news has reached my lovely ears about QUITE a step up in the world, all thanks to my husband, a fair princess..." She leaned in on Illiad, nothing but sweetness and reined-in excitement in her emotional makeup.  "... and a certain Trojan hero."

 

The twins nodded; they'd obviously heard this already, yet there was some excitement in them as well.

 

"So, as a token of utter goodwill and to extend a hoof to those who may be in need, I have worked my way through a number of shops in Canterlot and brought ALL of these gifts as a gesture toward the ponies - and other residents - of Troy!  I simply INSIST that these things return with you when you head to Troy... BOTH of you..."

 

A roll of motherly concern rippled from the mare as she looked to her young son, so much a stallion like his father was, yet with even MORE potential than both of his parents combined, in her personal opinion.  She'd miss him fiercely, but she wasn't about to restrict him, either.

 

"Now, you won't have a thing to worry about - each and every single thing you see here is bought and paid for with my own bits, so there should be no worries about passing customs.  Especially since I know a few officials who can fast-track parcels through customs, as long as the paperwork is complete.  Which, of course it is, dearie."

 

She gave that 'I-know-things-you-don't' smile, then stepped lightly over to her assistants.

 

"Beck, Call... get these on the buckboard wagon for tomorrow; I daresay they'll be unmolested 'til morning, eh?"

 

They nodded in unison, then turned and headed to the garage stall around the side.  Before they left sight, however, they both waved back at the unicorn and the earth pony.  Dax waved back, of course.

 

Turning back to Illiad, she lifted an eyebrow.  "Now, I know you'll simply try to wiggle out of this generosity, dearie - so I'll have you know that the postal processing fees are already paid, the correct paperwork in transit, and should be cleared by customs by the time you two head off."

 

She stepped up to come muzzle to muzzle with Illiad, a quirky yet serious look in her eyes.

 

"And I simply will NOT take a refusal of my gifts to the citizens of Troy; it would be rude, dearie."

 

It was her emotions that gave her away; she'd discovered about Luther's deal, and was excited that the quarry would soon be, effectively, it's own entity.  She was making the first gesture toward Troy - it was sort of jumping the gun, but a bold move all the same.

 

The boxes that were neatly stacked around were far more copious than originally estimated; there were a LOT more than he'd thought there were.  They were fine and fancy-looking, and they seemed to be clothing boxes for the most part; however, there were a few parcels that were bigger than the others - though it didn't seem like they were as glamorous as the other containers.

 

"These are... er, well..."

 

She seemed a bit embarrassed by what she was going to say; there was a LOT of Dax in that gesture.

 

"... they're towels."

 

Dax Blackwater gave his mother the oddest of looks.

 

"Stop that, Daxter; your face will freeze that way."

 

Dax stopped instantly; well-trained, to be sure.

 

Vylia turned back to face Illiad.  "Now, whatever you might think I'm implying, simply hear me out.  I could send any countless number of nic-nacs, decorations and other pretty but useless things... OR, as I've chosen to do, I am sending them the most durable cloth in all of Canterlot, specifically woven to withstand nearly any rough treatment.  Rather well-proportioned and pre-measured rectangles of excellent cloth that a good Trojan seamstress could certainly get rather creative with, hmmmm?  The larger boxes," she pointed, "are bolts of that same material; I simply figured there should be enough for almost everypony to get at least one."

 

She looked at the pile of boxes, then grinned sheepishly - a perfect match for Dax's own.  There was no doubt this was the Blackwater stallion's mother; they were more alike than they might have known.

 

"This is simply the shipment I brought home; there will be a few more on the train itself, I promise you - these were, essentially, the samples."

 

Towels?

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis

 

Illiad's expression at the news was rather strange. It seemed to be a mix of surprise and awe, as well as a good deal of confusion and the slightest bit of fear. "Um... I don't know what to say, thank you though, I'm sure I'll be able to figure out a good way to get it distributed."

 

His face shifted to a confused pondering as he wondered what had possessed Vylia into thinking Canterlot had a better robe fabric than Troy did, but furthermore he wondered what had given her the idea that this sort of thing would be easy to gift to an entire nation. Well, I'll just pass it on to Midget, I'm sure he'll have a good idea on how to use this to our political advantage. The demonstration as physical evidence to my success in foreign affairs should be a great boon to our cause.

 

He gave a smile and a nod, content with that thought, "I'm sure the citizens of Troy will appreciate the gesture."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"Certainly - of COURSE they will!"

 

She almost sounded as if she were trying to convince herself more than him, but she didn't falter; far be it for Vylia Blackwater to lose face with her generosity - however 'eccentric' her gestures were.

 

Dax shook his head.  "Mother... this is... it's a great idea.  I bet the Trojans could make some good robes or tents from it."

 

Robes might be a bit thick for towel material... but tents might be an idea; if they were as thick as she claimed, they'd keep out the chill at night, and the sand as well.  It wasn't a bad idea - just a strange one.  Though she had to have a few marks for making her gift utilitarian.

 

Of course, HOW utilitarian was still left to be seen.

 

Dax motioned towards the manor discretely, then gave his mother a grin.  "Illiad and I should go on inside; we don't want to be in the way."

 

She gave them both a motherly once-over, then smiled sweetly.

 

"Yes, yes - of course.  DO make sure to show for supper tonight; I would like to give you a proper send-off, Illiad.  It would only be proper for such an esteemed guest of the Blackwater family!"

 

Dax took the cue and began heading for the doors, as he did, he spoke sotto voce to his Trojan friend.

 

"I think we dodged a fireball on that one; she would've had us hauling boxes, too."

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad shrugged, "I'm not sure that would happen, though to be honest, I wouldn't mind too much to be asked to help out. Let's just get inside before she has the chance to change her mind, you won't want to feel rushed when you pack for this trip or you might just forget something important." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

They made their way into the elegant manor, taking the large grand staircase and making their way through the halls until finally stopping outside of what simply appeared to be another room in this rather regal estate.  The door was closed, but Dax gave a bit of a conspiratorial grin as he ran his hoof along the top of the doorframe, stretching up onto his back hooves to reach.

 

A key fell, but Dax deftly caught it before it hit the floor.  He unlocked the door, carefully returning the key to its' hiding place before entering the room.  As he crossed the threshold, he motioned with a hoof.

 

"Welcome to Chez Dax, Illiad!"

 

It was actually rather large; there was enough space in here that one of the quarry sheds could fit inside without even touching the walls!  It seemed as though his room had been specifically tailored to have FAR more space than normal.  There was a comfy-looking bed with a canopy, a rather nice dresser and wardrobe, even a couch with coffee table and chairs to entertain company.  At the far end of the room, Illiad could also see what appeared to be a small fountain, water chuckling away softly in the background, and the shelves lining the room were covered with books of all kinds.

 

However, when Illiad looked up, he was taken by surprise.

 

The ceiling was about the equivalent of two stories above their heads; it was lit up with stars and constellations.  LITERALLY lit up; Illiad could see them twinkle as he looked.  There were galaxies, and nebulae, and... well, it was almost a perfect rendition of the Equestrian night sky.  It was the work of either a master of the constellation arts... or somepony determined enough to do this job well.  Dax stepped up next to him, also looking skyward.

 

"It's magic paint; not cheap, either.  I got Mother to help me, and I painted it all by hoof.  Each constellation is 100% accurate in spacing and positioning... at least, according to the midnight sky from the roof.  I kept adding to it as I grew up, but..."  He sighed.  "... well, I sorta moved to the woods, and I haven't slept in this room ever since.  Not that it's bad - it's a great room - but, well..."

 

He shrugged, but the unicorn got the feeling there was more to that statement.

 

"Anyway, I was just gonna grab a few things from here for the trip... but maybe I should ask you what kind of clothing would be best for Troy's climate?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

It took a few moments for Illiad to actually look away from the artwork of the ceiling, it was immersive to the point where he was moving his head back and forth to gauge the apparent depth of the painted sky.

 

"Oh? Oh!" he looked away from the ceiling and back towards Dax with a bit of an embarrassed expression, "Sorry, it's just your room is so much more amazing than I've ever had. It really is impressive and with the level of detail I'm surprised your mark isn't in astronomy or painting. Anyway..."

 

He spared another look at the ceiling before turning back towards Dax, "General Trojan climate would dictate a level of clothing similar to mine, it get's decently cold at night, not quite as cold as it gets here at night but it's quite the contrast from the heat of the day, especially during the summer. We'll be up and about during the night anyway, so we'll probably get you a Trojan robe to keep you warm and so you won't stand out so much when I'm showing you around."

 

A nostalgic smile came to his face, "Getting a robe was the first thing Swift had me do when he was showing me around after I first arrived, it really helped with the sense of community and belonging. You know, I wonder if he would want to give you the same tour he gave me?"

 

He shook his head to refocus himself, "Anyway, the basics of clothing then is something that covers that is also light and not too warm. That's to both keep the sand off of you and to keep you from overheating while out on the dunes. Oh, if you have shoes... well, I guess you won't be around long enough for that to really matter anyway so don't worry about that."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax rummaged around in his dresser and wardrobe, occasionally yanking out this robe or that shirt... but eventually, his pace slowed.  The emotion coming from him was one of introspection, and the look on his muzzle matched it as he looked around the wardrobe door at his best friend.

 

"Y'know... this will be the first time I've ever gone ANYWHERE, really... maybe I should just take a bunch of bits, and buy clothes there?  This way, I'd KNOW I'd have what I needed, right?  Still... it just feels weird to know I won't be here for a whole week; I don't think I've spent THAT much time away from my family in my entire life.  It's... kinda disconcerting."

 

The smile that followed was one of Dax's better ones.  "But that won't get me down - heck, I'm all sorts of excited for seeing Troy!  I mean, it'll be great to actually have room to think for myself; it's hard to do when you're me."

 

He chuckled, then looked back at the ceiling.

 

"Yeah, it was a project for a long time... but I did it because... well..."

 

The blush on his face gave it away; he did it for Luna, of course.  Not that she'd ever see it, but the stallion's mood was practically singing it - any Empathic could tell it was a labor of affection, and Illiad knew that Dax only had eyes for ONE mare.

 

Dax didn't say anything else about it - he was already digging around in a trunk, his flank in the air.

 

"I think I have a stash of bits here somewhere..."

 

Illiad's eye was drawn to a small table next to the canopy bed; on it, there was a multi-fold picture frame.  Three sides showed, and there were photographs in all three.  

 

The first was a picture of Luther and Vylia, only slightly younger, and locked in an embrace.  Both of their eyes were closed, and Luther was affectionately nuzzling his wife lovingly.  He almost appeared to be smiling...

 

The second was a small family portrait of Dax, Luther, Vylia and Oglevy, looking regal and calm - something that must have taken a miracle to achieve with the naughty colt in attendance.

 

The third was of a Dax Blackwater that looked about as old as Oglevy currently was... and a blue stallion standing next to him, a hoof around his shoulders.  The older stallion looked carefree, happy-go-lucky, and concerned for nothing more in the world than the little colt in the circle of his foreleg.

 

Dax kept rummaging, oblivious to Illiad's gaze.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad nodded as he sat down near the center of the room to get a good vantage of everything within it, "I suppose bringing bits to buy clothes would work well enough, that just leaves getting into Troy when we arrive and a simple cloak will cover that need well enough. The only things I can think of that you'd need to bring with you would be toiletries like your toothbrush and such, also something to do on the train in case we run out of things to talk about because the scenery for the majority of the trip will be just flat sandy wasteland, especially after we switch trains at Dodge."

 

His smile quirked at the thought of the love this family had within it, it reminded him of his own family really, even if they were a bit less open with their emotions. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax pulled himself from the wardrobe and shook off a few rogue bits of clothing before chuckling and gathering them together, placing them back where they belonged.

 

"Okay, toothbrush, comb and deodorant... maybe soap?  Sure - soap, too.  Maybe I could bring a few books to pass the time... though I may decide to talk a mile a minute the whole way, too!"  He laughed about it, the young stallion in perfect harmony with himself at that moment.

 

"Since I'm just bringing bits, I guess we can skip this part..."

 

All the same, he took another moment to stare up at his hoofdiwork on the ceiling above.  "... I can hardly wait to see the stars in Troy; I'll bet they're just as beautiful as they are here."

 

He gazed on for a moment... then he gave a start, and looked over at Illiad.

 

"Wait... who else WERE we supposed to see today?"

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad looked back up at the stars, "They're certainly different, though some of the same constellations can still be seen."

 

He looked contemplative at the question of who they had left to see, "Well, we're expected at dinner, then your father want's to see me before I o to sleep tonight. At which point we'll meet up with Silver to do that shared dream. Tomorrow morning both Oglevy and Slapper wanted to talk to me before we left. I think that's all the obligations we have left tonight then." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"Wow."

 

That said, the young stallion grew quiet for a moment.  The emotion coming from him was a tad melancholy... but not actually sad.

 

"Illiad," he said, "you originally just came here for my benefit... but since you've been here, you've made a LOT of friends.  The foreponies like you - even Redd, I think - Silver adores you, and Ziggy..."  he laughed, "well, she likes EVERYPONY, so that's no surprise."

 

"But seriously, a lot of the folks here really like you... even my family, and we don't agree on very much when it comes to other folks, y'know?  Father doesn't like ANYPONY but us... and you.  That's actually more of an accomplishment than you know, Illiad."

 

He looked at the Trojan with a question in his eyes.

 

"How do you do it?  I mean, could you maybe give ME some pointers for when we go to Troy?  I mean, I don't wanna see you do so well here, then I go to your home and end up embarrassing you or anything like that... I just hope I do even half as well there as you've done here!"

 

He stood up and paced a bit while he spoke.

 

"I wanna make all sorts of new friends... and I wanna see the stars... and the desert... and the changelings... and the observatory... and the concert..."

 

He realized that he was simply listing off things he was looking forward to - and that it didn't leave much room for conversation if he didn't stop talking for a moment.  He stopped and turned to face Illiad once again. 

 

"Wow... I guess I'm just excited, is all."

 

Another patented Dax-brand sheepish grin; adorable.

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad looked over at Dax with a smile, "You really are worried, aren't you? Well, like I said earlier, you don't need to be so worried about potentially embarrassing me. As to making friends, to be honest, I don't really know how I ended up so lucky as to actually befriend as many as I did. But I'll tell you what I do know about friend making as I guess we'll see if that works for you. In my case, most want to be around me because I make them feel good, I provide an emotional benefit in a relationship because I'm empathic and thus want to see those around me feeling positive. My insight allows me to know when it's good to talk or when it's better to just listen. As to you, you don't have that same insight nor are you able to provide that emotional benefit on the same level I am, despite that you've managed to make friends before and you've befriended me. My advice to you in Troy is to be just as curious and interested in what others have to say as you were with me and in the letters. At least my friends would greatly appreciate it if you seemed to genuinely care about them and what they have to say."

 

Illiad thought for a moment before he shrugged, "There isn't really a clear-cut formula to making a friend I guess. But I believe in you, don't worry so much and you'll do just fine. Your excitement will really work to your benefit really, so long as you don't get talking about it so much that you forget to listen as well." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax gave a slight grin.

 

"Just be myself, hunh?  Heh, funny... that's exactly the kind of advice I'd expect from you.  Thanks, Illiad - I'm really glad to have met you."

 

He trotted close enough to give the unicorn a quick squeeze of a hug before stepping back and regarding the room again.

 

"Okay, I guess we're done here - and long before I thought we'd be.  So now, I guess the question would be as simple as 'what do we do 'til dinner?'  You have any ideas?"

 

It had been an entire week at this quarry - had they seen everything already?

[Illiad Easle 3,135]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad looked around for some sign of the time, since lunch they'd been to Taps' toured the garden, then spent another long while at Taps', he thought, and felt, that it should be pretty close to dinner time anyway. "There isn't much time left before it is actually dinner time right? Perhaps we could set up wherever we want to do our thing tonight so it's all ready when we are? Just throwing out ideas here."

 

He couldn't think of anything at the quarry he still wanted to see, everything he had heard about he had seen to his heart's content. He supposed now was really the time to relax a bit before they entered the new crazy excitement that would be Dax's time in Troy. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax grinned.  

 

"Yeah, we could do that... hey, where ARE we gonna have this big sleepover?  I mean, we'd need a place where the three of us could lie down safely, right?  Uhm..."  

 

He paced a moment, then his face lit up.

 

"Hey... why not right here?"  He motioned with a hoof to his own room.  "There's plenty of room, and I've got more than enough pillows and blankets for everypony.  Plus, we'd be safe in the manor, I'm SURE of that.  And, if we wanted to, we could even grab some snacks from the kitchen, eh?"

 

He seemed rather pleased with the idea; Illiad could feel the grin Dax's heart was currently giving off.

 

"Whaddya think?  We could have it in my room... unless... wait, what about using the Garden?  OH!"

 

His smile redoubled.

 

"The Garden WOULD be a nice place, too!  Quiet, pretty, secluded... and we'd be able to see SO many stars from there!  I could grab some of my spare camping gear, and we'd be able to say or do whatever we wanted there!"

 

Dax turned to his friend.  "Well?  Either of those sound good?  Got somewhere else in mind?"