Night Spinner was taken aback by Dust’s sudden outburst and. for a long time, he just stared at the fuming unicorn, saying nothing.
“I… I…” he stuttered, before sighed as he collected his thoughts. “It’s not unheard of, especially when titles are at stake,” he offered lamely, unable to look the other pony in the eye.
Dust Jacket said nothing, but stared silently at his latest opponent, his face marked by a scowl of anger and incredulity, which only caused Night Spinner’s ears to droop further.
“I’m sorry,” the unicorn apologized, making to get up and take his leave of the other stallion. “I’ve upset you, spoiled the game and shouldn’t have been burdening you with my problems like this.”
“No.” Dust Jacket said in a tone that brooked no dissent as he gestured for Night Spinner to remain where he was. “I inquired, you explained and there is no need for any more apologies,” the gray unicorn stated, regaining his composure.
Flagging down the server for their section of the shop, Dust Jacket quickly gave an order “Change my friend’s order to ‘Cinnamon Cocoa’, put it on my tab and bring me one as well,” he ordered before turning his attention back to Night Spinner, he smirked confidently. “There are many good drinks, but on a cold day like this, with troubles like yours, nothing is better.”
Night Spinner gave a faint smile and nodded, accepting the hot drink when the server returned. “Mmm... that is good.”
“Yes it is,” Dust Jacket replied confidently. “Now, regarding your situation. Might I offer some advice?” he asked, taking a slow sip from his own cup as he saw Night Spinner nod.
“Go back to Canterlot. Go confront your father,” the gray stallion said, his eyes narrowing. “Challenge him on this. Find out if he knows more about your expulsion than you do right now.”
Even as Night Spinner listened, a doubtful expression crossed his face, spurring Dust Jacket to push him harder. “Lucid!" Dust said urgently, "Do not back down from this! You lack information, critical information, and without it you cannot hope to make a reasoned decision about the situation you are in.
“I still cannot fathom how your father could remove you from your family,” Dust continued, anger creeping into his voice. “That is completely inexcusable, and I don't understand how you seem to be at ease with it.”
A touch of anger flashed across Night Spinner’s features as he lowered his mug. “I am not at ease with it!” he insisted, failing to notice Dust Jacket’s faintly growing smirk as he watched the unicorn get worked up. “Getting that letter was the worst thing to happen to me, more than even getting discharged. If it wasn’t for Inquiry I’d have said my life was absolutely ruined!”
“Inquiry?” Dust Jacked asked, his demeanor and posture changing immediately at the mention of the new name.
The other unicorn quickly glanced away, blushing slightly. “Yes... er... she’s the one good thing that’s come into my life since this whole mess started...”
“Interesting,” Dust Jacket said, seeming to process the information with great interest. “A special somepony?” he asked, though it was clear he was merely goading on the other pony.
“Y...yeah, I met her when doing deliveries in Canterlot," Night Spinner stuttered, though his confidence grew as he recounted his relationship with the Canterlot librarian.
"We hit it off and had a date last Nightmare Night and became a couple just before the Crystal Faire,“ he explained, his face flushing once more, though whether it was from the cocoa or from the memories was anypony’s guess.
Dust Jacket smiled at this, looking at Night Spinner with half lidded eyes as he took another sip from his own mug. “Tell me about her. Tell me about Inquiry.”
