Upon hearing a loud knock, Starswirl opened the door of the Friendship Castle, peering shyly around the corner of the frame. He never liked answering the door when his mother was away. However, his purple eyes widened and his face scrunched up into wide smile as he took in the visitor’s appearance.
 
“Princess Celestia!” Starswirl exclaimed, throwing his hooves around the white mare’s long neck.
 
“Hello, Starswirl,” Celestia chuckled, returning the hug with a graceful smile. Once the young colt released the princess, Celestia took a little peek into the castle. “By chance, is Twilight home?”
 
Starswirl shook his head. “Nope. Mom isn’t here. She’s out with her friends for lunch! And dad is on a mission right now. It’s just me.”  
Celestia’s eyes narrowed in concern. “No babysitter?” she asked, looking for any sign of an older pony on the premises.
 
Starswirl snorted. “I’m old enough to watch myself now! I’m already 11 years old, and I’m much more advanced than my classmates!”
 
“Of course. You are plenty grown,” Celestia chuckled. She smiled gently. “Actually, that is part of the reason that I am here today.”
 
Starswirl’s eyes brightened.
 
“You see,” Celestia began, “you have demonstrated a great deal of potential in magic. Since you are Princess Twilight Sparkle’s son, it seems only fitting that I mentor you.”
 
The yellow unicorn’s eyes grew to the size of saucers. “Really?!” he exclaimed. Celestia nodded her head, and Starswirl let out a nicker of pure joy. “I accept!”
 
“As of right now, I will visit you in your home for lessons twice a week,” Celestia explained. “Once you are older, you can come stay in Canterlot for further training, should you desire.”
 
“I won’t let you down!” Starswirl proclaimed, puffing out his chest. “I’m going to be an alicorn one day, and I’m going to have my own castle, like mom!”
 
The princess chuckled. “I know you won’t dissapoint me. You are destined to great things, Prince Starswirl. When your mother comes home, we shall go over the details of our future meetings.”
 
Starswirl nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll tell mom the moment she comes home!”
 
Celestia laughed. “I’m sure you will. Until then, take care, Starswirl.” And with that, the elegant white mare took to the skies in the direction of Canterlot.