Emerald tries to claim he isn't tired, but another yawn betrays him.

The Captain motions in the direction of the staircase, and Emerald admits defeat. Right before he leaves though he asks what his wife's name was.

"Lesedi. Now off with you. We can talk again some other time if you so wish."

Emerald starts to walk towards the stairs again and then remembers Ruby. He asks the captain if he can move her. She is too heavy for him. He laughs and says he'll bring her down to their room after the helmspony returns from dinner.

Emerald makes his way down to their room. It's simply furnished with three cot-like beds and a small writing table and desk. Emerald can spot their luggage in this room as well. Stripping quickly, he chooses the closest bed and flops onto it, scrambling under the covers. The colt has to admit that it isn't as comfortable as the bed in the flat at #304 Coursewalk, but it is an improvement over sleeping outdoors like Emerald was during his escape from his step-parents. Giving a small shudder, he turns over and goes to bed.

End of Chapter 20!