Last time, on Luna “Quest:”
 
You had the first of your lessons with Celestia, getting a book assignment before parting ways. While she attended to some business, you decided to check out the training grounds for the royal guards to maybe pick up a pointer or two from Shining Armor.
 
Unfortunately his temper got the better of him when you called him Shiny, and he fired a basic incapacitation spell at you. Luckily for you, you ducked. But what was lucky for you was unlucky for a random guard too focused on his training exercise, and he was struck down.
 
Golden, one of your escort guards, did his best to calm down Shining Armor. But it wasn't until your other escort, “Bear”, stepped in that Shining decided to get a level head.
 
He apologized for his behavior, relieving himself of duty for the time being. You ran after him, apologizing for disrespecting him in front of his men. The two of you parted on slightly better terms.
 
After a brief lunch in which you got to know your escort guards a little better, you read your book and waited for your lesson with Luna.
 
After getting some pointers and further education on how to read, Luna took you out to the balcony to stargaze after you struck up conversation with her.
 
You expressed how you felt alone in this strange land, and Luna did what she could to comfort you, telling you that you're never alone and that any time you feel as such you should find her.
 
She also told you to call her Luna, allowing you to drop the Princess title from greeting her.
 
The two of you parted ways for the night, and you slept soundly.
 
 
[Total Luna Points acquired thus far: 9]
 
 
It's a new morning, and there's a knock on your guest room door.
 
“Rise and shine! Same procedure as yesterday, don't want to keep the Princesses waiting.”
 
You groan and sit up, wiping your eyes and looking around for your clothes. You hastily don them and step out into the hall where Golden and Bear await, Bear nodding a greeting as he begins to lead the way once more.
 
Golden falls into place behind you, giving a brief rundown of what your schedule looks like today.
 
“First, breakfast with the royalty. Then of course your lesson with Celestia. The late morning and afternoon are once again a free zone for your studies or training if you so choose, with dinner and your lesson with Princess Luna tonight,” a jovial tone enters his voice, giving you the mental image of him smirking, “Do try to keep it shorter this night, or we run the risk of Bear snoozing again.”
 
Bear grunts, “You fell asleep too, lazy bum.”
“Only because your snoring was so rhythmic. I couldn't help myself.”
 
Golden shushes Bear's rebuttal as you approach the dining hall and are greeted by Celestia and a slightly tired looking Luna.
 
“Good morning, student,” Celestia says, bowing her head slightly and smiling, “I trust your lesson last night was satisfactory?”
 
Both the Princesses smile, and Celestia looks approvingly at Luna, "That is wonderful to hear! Luna and I are both excited to be sharing our knowledge with you as well."
 
Luna bows her head in your direction, a small smile still gracing her face, before she puts a hoof to her mouth and yawns ever so slightly.
 
"Excuse me, I would stay and chat but I need my rest."
 
Celestia nods understandingly as Luna gets up and leaves the room. You watch her leave, and as you turn away you think you see her look back at you with a smile before Celestia begins speaking once again.
 
"Once you're finished eating we'll have our lesson. I believe today we'll cover some basic etiquette and social interactions. These shouldn't be too difficult for you either, since you seem to have a grasp on being civil already."
 
[Total Luna points: 10]
 
The lesson goes by quickly, most of it seeming familiar and not all that strange. Celestia nods approvingly and smiles when you recall how to address certain individuals and the order in using utensils and so on.
 
"Now, let's pretend you don't know me at all. I'm just some pony wandering in the street," she says this while removing her crown and necklace, setting them on the dining table you were sitting at for dining etiquette. You stand at her motioning, and she approaches you.
 
"So let's say that I, some stranger, approach you like so," she says while walking forward, inserting a slight stumbling into her steps, "what should you do?"
 
"Uh, ask if they're alright, and offer assistance?" You reply, "And if they're about to fall, perhaps catch them?" You move in front of Celestia at this point, putting your arms out as though to stop her fall.
 
She smiles and nods, "Yes, very good. Kindness and support are important values to both myself and my citizens."
 
"Now, if somepony does something like this," she says, putting one of her large wings around your shoulders and leaning on you, her face mere inches from yours. Her voice lowers to a whisper, "What would you do?"
 
[Spaghetti Roll: 1d10, first 3 rolls taken. To be unaffected, you need at least a 20 total. For every 5 you fall short by, you will have varying degrees of spaghetti spillage.]
 
[Total: 19. Very slight failure.]
 
The proximity of the elegant Princess to you setting your heart racing. Her whispering into your ear and the heat of both her body and breath do nothing to soothe you.
 
You swallow nervously before answering, "Ask them to let go?"
 
Celestia nods, the motion rubbing her beautiful mane against your cheek and sending a shiver down your spine, "Yes, requesting that they let go would be a good first step. However, if they continue…" she says, pulling you to her a little tighter before gently resting her head on your shoulder, "What could you do?"
 
[Option: You can tell her you're uncomfortable and she might stop. This is a lesson for your benefit after all, so she's surely just acting, right?
 
Choice 2: Keep going with this lesson and roll 1d10, first 5 rolls taken vs an affected DC of 35 this time.
 
The choice is yours!]
 
[Decided to keep going.]
[Total: 23 vs 35, Failed by 12, Two degrees of failure.]
 
"Uh..I-I'd…," you stammer, words not wanting to come. All you can think about is how close she is to you, the way her mane strokes your cheek and how warm you feel under her wing. Part of you wants to throw her off and run, while the other wants nothing more than to put an arm around her and hug her to you. Would that be too much? She is an Princess after all.
 
Celestia raises her head from your shoulder and looks at you, slowly letting go of you when she sees the sweat on your brow.
"Oh, my, I'm sorry. Perhaps this was a bit much," she says, using magic to retrieve a pitcher of water and a glass. She pours some and levitates the glass to your trembling hands, looking on with concern.
 
You drink quickly and take deep breaths before sitting back at the table you were using before. "N-no, I don't mind that much, it was just…unexpected," you manage to stammer out. Celestia looks relieved and sits next to you.
 
"I apologize, I really should have asked if you were comfortable with such a thing first. It's just that I've heard of these types of things happening in Equestria. Usually it's from someone thinking that the pony they saw was some other pony, which wouldn't happen to you due to your unique stature, but other times I've heard tales of a pony just walking up to others and hugging them unexpectedly. I just wanted to prepare you for that. Again, I'm sorry, are you alright? Do you need to lie down?"
 
Celestia smiles, but concern still shows on her face even as you regain your composure.
 
"I admire your dedication to overcoming these differences in culture, but I think we'll end our lesson for today so you can get some rest. We could…continue these kind of scenarios if you'd like. I could inform my sister to help acclimate you was well, if you believe you could handle it. The faster you learn these things, the faster we can put you out into Equestria to live as you see fit."
 
[Unanimously Yes]
 
"Well, if she's comfortable with that then sure, I guess."
 
Celestia nods before putting her necklace and crown back on and rising from her seat, "I shall speak with her about it, though based on your reaction I think it can wait until tomorrow. And once again, I'm sorry for dropping that on you so suddenly. I'll make sure Luna asks if she plans on helping you in such a manner as well."
 
She begins to move from the room, before stopping and looking at you over her shoulder, "And remember, this is for your benefit. This is for your education, and though the goal is to be comfortable with someone perhaps breaching your personal space in a pleasant manner, I ask you don't get attached."
 
She whispers something to herself as she leaves, and your escort come in a moment later, Golden looking back towards the door.
 
"Everything in here go alright? Princess Celestia looked a little…off."
 
"That's between her and her student," Bear grumbles. Golden just shrugs his shoulders and the two of them look to you.
 
"Well, what's the plan for the afternoon? Got another book to read, or you want some actual training today?"
 
You've settle down for the most part, though your heart still beats a little faster than normal and you can't lose that feeling of Celestia's head on your shoulder….
 
You shake your head to clear it of thoughts, not certain why you got flustered at this anyway. She's a Princess. She's likely not interested in you like that, right? Right, this is all for your induction to this strange new world. The fact that things like that are a normal occurrence is interesting…
 
"Hey! You want to train, or should we just dump you in your room again?" Bear says, prodding you with a hoof and jostling you out of your reverie.
 
"Oh, right, uh….how about we train today? I didn't really get to yesterday," you say. Truthfully, you could use the distraction right about now.
 
Bear smiles a toothy grin, and a sense of unease comes over you briefly, "Good! We'll make sure you know how to cover your rear, won't we Golden Boy?"
 
Golden scowls, "I wish you'd quit calling me that, you know that's not my full name-"
 
"Don't care, Mr. Regulations, let's go!"
 
[cont'd in a moment, grabbin a coffee before typing up some more]
 
The three of you make your way to the training grounds once again, and you note that Shining Armor isn't there, just like he said he wouldn't be yesterday. You have a brief twinge of regret before Bear calls you over to a small fenced in area with a gate. The fences are only about waist high to you, and are just simple wood beams. Bear stands near the gate, while Golden stands over by a spear rack.
 
"Alright, we've got two kinds of training you can pick from for today," Bear starts, "You can spar with me for a bit in the arena, or you can take up some spear practice with Golden. Though the spears are made for us, so they might be a bit small for you since you're roughly minotaur shaped. So, what'll it be?"
 
You express your concern about not knowing the basics of pony fighting to Bear as he holds the gate open for you, making him laugh.
 
"I'll take it easy on ya this time and give you some basic rundowns on how we do things. I think we've got idea of how the minotaurs fight, might be applicable to you."
 
You stand a couple feet away from Bear, who begins to circle you and look at your stance before calling to Golden, "Hey, you saw those Minotaur reels, right? Tell him how to stand properly!"
 
Golden rests his front hooves against the top of the fence to your left, pointing at you with a hoof and calling out how to position your legs and hands.
 
"Yeah, like that. All our info on minotaurs fighting unarmed has them using their uppermost limbs to hit or grab their enemies. Most stand with their arms in front of their chests, for whatever reason. No, your legs are too far inward, point your leg joints outward! Yeah, better!"
 
The stance feels familiar, and eventually Golden nods with approval. You notice that some of the other soldiers have come to crowd around the arena area and watch, no doubt wishing to witness this first hand.
 
"Right," Bear says, "So us ponies fight using our legs and bodies. Unicorns use their fancy magic, and Pegasi can fly, but us Earthies, we use ourselves like battering rams, knocking the enemy over and trampling them, or kicking them with our strong legs," he kicks the air a few times with a leg or two slowly, stretching, "So for us to fight someone like you, we gotta bring you down to our level. For you, well, I dunno what it feels like fighting something smaller than me, so I dunno what to tell ya."
 
"Most minotaurs throw one or two guys around at a time by our records," Golden calls out, "Dunno what kind of success you'll have with that though. Oh, and remember, this is a SPARRING match, Bear. Don't hurt the guy. Same goes to you, trainee."
 
"Yeah, yeah, we'll go through some mock combos first."
 
You spend a bit learning how to move out of the way of Bear when he pretends to charge your legs, how to avoid getting kicked in the kneecap, how to deflect a leg, and so on.
 
You're starting to feel comfortable and getting the hang of it when Bear says, "Right, time for a real sparring now. I'll make sure not to hit you hard if I land a hit, and you'll do the same. Ready?"
 
"Ready!" you say, assuming your stance once more as Bear does the same.
 
The two of you circle around one another, Bear pawing the ground eagerly before launching himself at you with a growl!
 
[Sidestep: 1d10, first 3 rolls taken, only need a 12 or better]
 
[Trip him: Using your foot, you'll kick a leg out from under him while sidestepping. Sorta tough since he's so low to the ground. 1d10, first 5 rolls taken, need a 25 or better.]
 
[Grapple: He's currently charging, so it'd be tough, but dropping your weight onto him in the process would flatten him against the ground, giving you an opening to grab him around the stomach. 1d10, first 8 rolls, need a 45 or better.]
 
[Block: Take the hit and try to bowl him over by being a wall to his charge. 1d10, first 10 rolls taken, need a 75 or better.]
 
[Sidestep, result 9/12, failure]
 
You attempt to move out of the way, but whether you just didn't move far enough or Bear changes his course you can't tell until it's too late.
 
Bear smacks into your legs just hard enough to topple you over him and make your legs ache a bit. An "Ooh!" echoes from the surrounding observers as you quickly roll onto your back while Bear turns about, facing you once again. He's standing near your feet, perhaps still recovering from his charge or getting ready to kick you.
 
OPTIONS
 
[Kick out one of his legs from under him, knocking him on his face]
 
[Kick him in the stomach where his armor doesn't cover]
 
[Try and get up before he does anything else]
 
The first one is the easiest, the last one the hardest since you wouldn't be able to stop Bear from acting while you try to regain your feet.
 
Take your pick then I'll give you the die requirements I guess.
 
[Kick out a leg from under him]
 
[Total:36, Success + 1 extra leg!]
 
With a swift move of your leg, you sweep his front two legs to the side!
 
Bear cries out in surprise as he's thrown on his side, making a loud thud.
 
[Free action chosen: move into grapple position.]
 
You move so that you're in position to grapple Bear, who begins to try to regain his feet as you loom over him.
 
You have an advantage! Grappling from this position will be easier even if he resists.
 
Do you wish to grapple him, or just pin him like a wrestler, ala laying on him?
 
[86 vs 30, Bear loses. Hard.]
 
You grab Bear in a choke hold of sorts, putting an arm around his neck and holding him against your body so he can't kick you! He is at your mercy!
 
You can hold him in such a manner until he admits defeat, possibly encouraging this by squeezing him or something equivalent.
 
Or you can straight demean him by removing his helmet with your spare hand and giving his long brown mane a noogie.
 
You decide to just keep him in a stranglehold, telling him he should tap out.
 
"N-never," he says, weakly struggling against you.
 
His tune changes as soon as you squeeze him a little more, one of his hooves rapidly tapping your arm, tapping out.
 
You let go of him, and he hits the ground with a small clatter once again, coughing lightly and rubbing his neck as you regain your feet.
 
You extend a hand to Bear, who looks at it in mild confusion while he breathes deeply. You grab one of his hooves and help him back to his feet from his lying position and ask if he's alright.
 
"I'm fine," he says as he gets to his feet, snatching his hoof out of your hand as he does so. He grumbles an almost inaudible "Thanks." Almost.
 
The observers around the side of the arena whistle congratulations, a few clapping their hooves together as they stand on the edges of the fence.
 
Golden sticks his hoof out until you extend a palm, then he gives you what you can only assume was supposed to be a high five.
 
"Ha ha! Nice moves out there! Haven't seen anyone beat Bear in a spar in a while! Then again, don't get many opportunities to spar a minotaur or its equivalent. Regardless, good job!"
 
"Yeah, he got lucky," Bear grumbles, still rubbing his neck once in a while. He smiles in your direction, "But that was pretty smart. Good work."
 
"Well," Golden says, a sly looking smile creeping onto his face, "After his little induction, I think he deserves a nickname." He turns to the soldiers around the arena, "What do you guys think?"
 
The small crowd gives out a cheer, peppered with suggestions until Golden's ears perk up and he points at some of his comrades, "Ooh, that one, I like those ones! How about it guys; Jockey, Rider, or Tamer?"
 
Seems they're giving you a nickname. Maybe you should stop them?
 
"Uh, I sorta like Jockey," you say.
 
"Alright boys, let's put it to vote! Put your hoof in the air for which name you like!"
 
You put your hand in the air for Jockey when the time comes, since it's the least embarrassing to be misconstrued. At least you think so.
 
Golden counts hooves quietly between shouts, then smacks his face at the tally. "It's a tie between Jockey and Rider guys, let's go again!"
 
Once again you raise your hand for Jockey, aiming for the least embarrassing name.
 
"Aw what? C'mon guys, I liked Rider. Fine, whatever, we'll call him Jockey."
 
Bear laughs while the other guards cheer and clap. Well, that's something anyway.
 
"Let's head to the watering hole, round of cider on me," Golden says, putting a hoof around one of your legs and pointing towards the castle.
 
"I…what?"
 
"Cmon, Jockey, I'll show ya. Bear, you too."
 
The three of you head into the castle, and Golden guides you to a small, dimly lit room just down the hall from what you assume is the barracks. You walk inside and realize it's basically a bar.
 
"Hey, cider for three," Golden tells the keeper, dropping a small pile of bits on the counter as he takes a seat at the counter. You and Bear follow suit, though you feel a little uncomfortable. The counter is made for ponies, so even sitting the counter only comes up to your stomach.
 
Your drinks come, and the three of you clink glasses before Bear and Golden take large swigs of their cider. You sniff yours cautiously, then take a sip. It's cider alright, but with a hint of something that makes it a little sweeter than normal.
 
Your first drink goes pretty quickly as you discover you have a taste for the stuff, both Golden and Bear drink theirs quickly in an effort to keep up.
 
Some small talk happens, Golden recounting the spar with the barkeep, playing up how you choked out Bear and are clearly an unstoppable juggernaut. Bear laughs it off, commending you for your prowess once more.
 
The second drink goes a little slower, Golden and Bear removing their helmets, complaining that the bar is too hot.
 
The third drink is where you draw the line. You don't think this stuff is alcohol infused, but you can't be certain. Best to play it safe. The other two follow your lead, apparently remembering they're supposed to escort you to dinner soon.
 
The three of you continue to talk for a bit though, mostly just little compliments and discussion about being a guard.
 
"Oh those other folk think we're all just stony faced all the time. It's funny, really," Golden says, "like we just stand around never saying anything, or showing emotions. We don't do anything to dissuade them of that while on duty though, usually. Helps keep 'em from doing anything dumb."
 
"Ha, remember those guys telling us about getting messed with in….where was it? Ponyville?" Bear says, smirking into his empty cup. It's clear from his demeanor he'd like to drink more, but duty prevents him from doing so right now.
 
"Yeah I remember, fun times," Golden says before a clock bongs 6pm in the distance. "Ah, guess that's our cue to get you to dinner, Jockey. Alright, let's go."
 
Bear and Golden don their helmets once again, Golden leaving a tip on the counter, and the three of you head to the dining hall for dinner.
 
You arrive and find Celestia and Luna sitting across the small table from your usual seat, both chatting and eating delicately as you enter.
 
"Ah, there he is," Celestia says with a smile, "I was afraid I'd scared you off when you weren't here quite on time."
 
"Uh, that'd be my fault, Princess," Golden says sheepishly, kneeling as she turns her gaze on him. "You see, Jo-, I mean, your student here sparred with Bear as part of his training today. He was victorious, so I took him to the watering hole for some cider as a reward."
 
"Oh, oh my," Luna says, her eyes wide as the plates she eats from, and Celestia's fork clatters to the table with her mouth agape.
 
She regains her composure quickly, much faster than Luna, and looks at you with surprise still shining in her eyes, "You beat Bear in a sparring match?"
 
Bear shifts uncomfortably next to Golden, mumbling something.
 
"Y-yes?" You answer.
 
"I see. Well done then. Not many have bested him in recent memory," She says, a smile returning to her face.
 
Luna is also smiling now and fidgets in her seat as she peppers Golden with questions.
 
"He did? How? Was it exciting? How is Bear? Oh, he's right there and he says he's fine, good!"
 
She beams across the table at you alongside her sister, "Did you have fun?"
 
"It was just a friendly sparring match, for me to learn from. But yes, it was fun. I do hope there are no hard feelings between myself and Bear," you say, looking at Bear for confirmation.
 
He smacks a hoof to his chest armor in response, nodding in your direction, which draws approval from both Celestia and Luna.
 
"Seems you're making friends already," Celestia says with a smile, "Perhaps you should know why winning a sparring match against Bear is so….impressive?"
 
"Yes, yes, has he told you why he's called Bear?" Luna says eagerly, "It might be surprising if you don't know already."
 
"Princesses, please," Bear says, his usually gruff voice suddenly soft, almost plaintive.
 
"Oh come now, you act like it's some secret to hide," Luna says.
 
"Well, I was curious about that, actually," you say.
 
"Luna, I believe it's time for you to perform your duties," Celestia says, gently reminding Luna of the time.
 
"Oh! You are right, thank you sister," Luna says, rising from the table and nodding in your direction, before nodding to Golden and Bear, who kneel in response, "I still think you should tell him. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
 
With that, Luna leaves to raise the moon, leaving the four of you alone.
 
"Well, if Bear would like to tell you himself when he's ready, I'll leave that to his discretion," Celestia says, smiling at Bear.
 
"Thank you, Princess," Bear replies from his kneeling position.
 
Celestia motions for you to eat, and motions the guards to do so as well, causing both of them to look at one another before sitting on either side of you and the Princess.
 
"The three of you seem to have grown rather close in such a short period of time," Celestia says with a smile, "I'm pleased."
 
"Th-thank you, Princess," Golden says while Bear nods his thanks.
 
Celestia looks at a clock, then rises from her seat, "I have some last minute business to be about. Take care of my student now, and enjoy your meal."
 
"Of course, Princess," both of them intone as she leaves.
 
When she's gone, you look at Bear expectantly. He sighs, putting a fork into his salad with finality.
 
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you."
 
He clears his throat as Golden eats some mashed potatoes, and you listen intently.
 
"When I was a rookie some years ago, the unit I was in was out patrolling. Most the animals in that particular neck of the woods aren't too dangerous, and they stay out of our paths."
 
"Well, on that night, we came across a monster. Ursa Minor they call it. Huge thing, had some of our guys quaking in their armor. Our leader yells a retreat, but that thing just sweeps one of it's arms out and bowls him over, right into a tree. Another rookie goes to see if he's alright, but he's hurt bad. We couldn't just carry him out with that thing looking over us. So I did what I knew I had to do; I thumped one of the monster's toes and ran as fast as my legs could carry me, right in the opposite direction."
 
He puts his head in his hooves, running one through his mane as he continues, "For three days it chased me. Three whole days. Finally I ran into a mountain pass, square into a dead end. I could see the trees shaking as it caught up with me that night, and I knew I was dead."
 
"But you didn't die, you're right here," Golden says, earning a shushing noise from you for his interruption.
 
"Well, of course. I wasn't going to go down without a fight. It popped out into the clearing I was on the edge of, growling menacingly. It stopped to take a breath, and I just yelled at it with everything I had."
 
"It looked at me sorta weird. Then it growled at me, stepping closer, like it was suddenly unsure of something. I yelled again, louder, until my throat hurt and my voice cracked. It just looked at me weird again, like, like it understood something. And then it just turned around and left."
 
"I got back to where we ran into it after that, starved, thirsty, tired. I slept very little on the way back, had even less to eat. A bunch of berries here and there. The thirst was the worst. I collapsed, but woke up in the infirmary here. Turns out they'd sent some Pegasi guards to see what'd happened to me."
 
"I told them what happened, then ate everything I could get my grubby hooves on. And after that ordeal, I felt…stronger. I started winning every sparring match I was in, most of them easily. Even beat Captain Shining Armor a few times."
 
He smirks, "Well, those were different. I went easy on you, not really on them. But they started calling me Bear after that. Didn't like it at first, but it fit and I got used to it."
 
He sighs before picking up his fork and taking another bite out of his salad, "So, that's my story."
 
Luna waits for you in a lounge room this time, Golden and Bear escorting you to her after your meal. Luna sends them outside the room like before, then turns to ask what she should teach you tonight.
 
You ask Luna what she thinks she'd like to teach you today, and she puts a hoof to her chin as she thinks aloud.
 
"Well, you have no new reading assignments, and are getting the feel of that rather quickly. My sister told me of her attempts to teach you about how some ponies may incur on your personal space on a whim," Luna says, looking at you bashfully, "But if the reaction you displayed for her is true, perhaps we should wait for any further lessons of that kind."
 
"Hmm, something useful that I can teach you…," she says while tapping her chin lightly, "Well, I like dancing, but that goes back to the personal space predicament. Cooking? My kitchen staff would be better suited."
 
She sighs, "I feel like I can't teach you anything meaningful, I'm sorry to say. I have been, 'out of the loop', for some time."
 
You tell her you'd enjoy learning to dance, citing the personal space problem was more because you were taken by surprise than anything.
 
She looks at you inquisitively, "Are you certain? I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable. That and I only know dances that involve another pony as a partner, though I suppose we could come up with something…"
 
You're certain, you tell her. Besides, dance is expressive of culture, right?
 
"Well, alright. Let us head to the ball room. Follow me," she says, rising from her seat and leading the way.
 
Your guards follow the two of you, but give you space to walk beside one another, respecting the student and teacher relationship the two of you have.
 
You arrive in a small, well lit ballroom with an impressive chandelier, and Luna makes sure the guards are outside the room as she ponders what dance she can do with you.
 
"Well, there are a few that are considered more 'exotic' since it requires us to be on two legs and holding the other. Perhaps those would work?"
 
"P-Princess?!" Golden splutters, very obviously confused by what he's seeing, "Wh-what are you DOING?"
 
To be fair, the Princess is laying on a non pony and it could be very easily misconstrued. Which is clearly what he's doing, right now, in his head.
 
Princess Luna's heart begins to beat quickly, you can feel it on your chest as she lies on you, and her cheeks begin to brighten in embarrassment.
 
"It-It's not what it looks like!" she starts, too occupied on defending herself to stand from where the two of you lie on the ground.
 
You don't really know what to think in all this. It was clearly an accident, but the feeling of Luna's racing heart and her warm body are surprisingly pleasant, and you soon find your own heart begins to race.
 
The only one in the room to keep his head is Bear.
 
He promptly walks to where the two of you lie and helps Luna up, asking her if she's alright. She stammers a yes, and a thank you, before Bear attempts to help you up. Mostly by making you realize Luna isn't on you anymore, since he can't really pull you up, being so low to the ground himself.
 
You get on your feet in the middle of Luna trying to explain what happened while Golden jumps to conclusions very audibly.
 
"You were lying on top of him! How can that not mean-"
"It was an accident! We were going to teach him how to dance, and-"
"You don't dance like that! You were clearly-"
"WHO ARE YOU TO ASSUME WHAT WE INTEND!" Luna booms, her voice echoing menacingly in the ballroom.
 
Jesus, she's loud. So loud you have to cover your ears and you think the chandelier is rattling as she continues.
 
"WE DO NOT HAVE TO EXPLAIN OURSELVES TO YOU, GUARD, AND FOR YOU TO ASSUME OUR INTENTIONS IS BEYOND OFFENSIVE! WE SHOULD HAVE YOU-"
 
"PLEASE, DON'T!"
 
The voice that interrupts is not yours or Golden's, but Bear's, his loud voice somehow penetrating the absolute gale that was Luna's.
 
Everyone turns to look at Bear, as he continues at a more reasonable volume.
 
"Please, don't get rid of Golden. He's annoying and sticks his pointed nose where it doesn't belong, but please…please don't. I'm sure he's mistaken, and it's not what it seemed when we found you and your student…like that. Just please, don't….don't get rid of him."
 
Luna's eyes lock with Bear's, then Golden's, and she slowly but surely calms down.
 
"We are sorry for yelling, but you misunderstand. And to dare to assume these things…"
 
"Is wrong of me. Yes. I'm sorry, Princess," Golden says, "I'll go stand outside. I hope you'll forgive me for speaking out of turn like that."
 
Golden salutes sharply, then slowly walks his way out of the room. Bear salutes and quickly follows, and you see him put an arm over Golden's back as they round the corner and head out of sight.
 
When you turn to look back at Luna, she's turned away from you, facing an outward facing window that reveals the cloudy night sky, her head hung low as her mane drifts soundlessly in the windless ball room.
 
"I'm sorry," is the first thing you can think to say.
 
Luna scoffs, without turning, "And why are you sorry? You did nothing worth apologizing about. In fact, you valiantly attempted to catch me when my clumsiness overcame me."
 
"Well, I feel like I should've helped explain what really happened," you tell her. It's true, you think you could've helped remedy the situation properly. Maybe you still can. "I'll talk to Golden later and get things sorted out."
 
Luna sighs, "Thank you. I'm sorry you had to see me be that way. I've worked hard to speak properly, to avoid yelling in that manner," you think you hear the tell tale sound in her voice of a smile, "You should have seen me not long ago. Mere months ago and that was how I spoke by nature."
 
Her voice returns to a more sorrowful tone, "But I am most sorry that I ruined our lesson this night with such behavior. I would understand if you desire not to have me teach you anymore."
 
But the clock does chime midnight, and your dance eventually comes to an end.
 
The two of you stand together in the center of the ballroom when the clock finishes it's toll, and you look into each others eyes, small smiles on your lips and her hoof in your hand, the other holding you gently to prop herself up.
 
Before either of you can say anything, a gentle cough is heard from the doorway, and for a brief moment you feel panic at the thought that it could be Celestia.
 
The two of you turn your heads and you're relived to see that it's only Bear.
 
"Excuse me, if I was interrupting, but it's getting late and I just wanted to check on the two of you."
 
His interruption unfortunately shatters the moment you were having.
 
Luna let's go, perhaps reluctantly, resuming her normal stance on four legs.
 
"Well, you should get your rest. You have my sister's lesson to attend tomorrow, and I wouldn't want you to fall asleep during it," she turns to Bear, "He will join you in a moment. Thank you for your concern."
 
Bear salutes then leaves the room, casting a quick glance over his shoulder just before he leaves.
 
Luna looks at you, that small smile still on her face. She stands there for a while, her mouth slightly ajar like she wants to say something.
 
In the end, she just smiles again, a broader smile this time, and says, "Thank you," again, before walking beside you out into the hallway.
 
Bear and Golden are standing at attention, and Luna walks to Golden and apologizes for yelling at him. Golden apologizes for his actions as well, and Luna promises not to make mention of it to her sister or the Captain.
 
"Thank you, very much, Princess," both Golden and Bear say in unison.
 
"Now, if you'd be so kind, please show my student to his chambers. He needs a good nights rest for his lesson tomorrow."
 
As you take position between Bear and Golden, Luna wishes you good night, and stands in the hall until you round the corner and head out of sight.
 
The three of you walk back most the way in silence, but a question comes to mind that you feel you have to ask.
 
"So how long were you standing there, Bear?"
 
"Long enough," he says, his voice a little less rough around the edges as it normally is.
 
"And?"
 
"And what? None of my business what your lessons are."
 
You smile, "Also, that was pretty cool how you defended Golden like that."
 
The three of you reach the doors to your chamber, and Bear holds one open for you after you say goodnight to Golden.
 
"Of course I'd defend my brother," he says before shutting the door.
 
Somehow, they forgot to tell you they were related. Or maybe that was on purpose.
 
Regardless, you take a quick shower and settle in for bed, recounting your day in your head.
 
Spilled your spaghetti on Celestia, but then danced a heavy amount of the night away with Luna. And sparring Bear, getting a nickname, it's all been very exciting suddenly.
 
You smile as you drift to sleep. Well, the dancing with Luna kind of excitement, you could get used to that.