You thank Lexicon Anathema again for her counsel, and finish the last of your tea. Then, after much consideration, you tentatively decide to ask for another cup.

Lexicon Anathema: "Of course."

In an instant, the entire room brightens white, as though someone had just turned on the lights. The filly stands up from her seat, and motions for you to follow.

Lexicon Anathema: "Come. Let's have a moment to ourselves."

You slowly nod, then follow after her to a door she slides open. You step outside onto the veranda where a storm used to rage. Now, the air is purely silent, thousands of still raindrops suspended within.

As you step out from under the roof together, the source of white light becomes apparent: dimming the golden rays of the overcast sun is a dazzling bolt of lightning sprawled across the skies above, frozen in time.

Lexicon Anathema: "I realize that coming out here is unnecessary, but even I'd find it awkward to have your friends sit right next to us the whole time."

You nod in agreement and, curious, you ask how come she has the power to stop time like this.

Lexicon Anathema: "Stop time? I suppose that's what it looks like. To answer your question: with obscure knowledge come obscure spells."

As much of an answer as you are going to get, you reason. Just to make sure, you ask Lexicon Anathema if she really is a mere lesser demon, and not some other kind of highly powerful entity.

Lexicon Anathema: "No, I'm just a filly."

Well, at least she is consistent, you think to yourself — not that it makes you feel much better. To follow up, you try asking if she were planning to transform into an adult to make this easier.

Lexicon Anathema: "Oh, come on. You're big, but not that big."

Ouch. So much for that, you figure. Since she is a filly, however, you can't help but wonder whether Lexicon Anathema truly seeks your affection, or if this is some kind of game the likes of which you were warned about.

Lexicon Anathema: "I may look like this, but I still have desires, you know. Were you never attracted to an older pony when you were small?"

... Touché. You remember having a short-lived crush on Matron Kindleheart's son Heartspur, a young stallion back then, who rejected your advances with the kindness and grace of an angel. The memory alone is enough to make you flush with embarrassment again, all these years later.

Lexicon Anathema: "How adorable. You must feel conflicted, then, since your mortal appearance is tied to your age. Hmm... I guess you could think of me as an adult under an Age spell. Would that be better?"

Truth be told, you had never considered the purpose of such a spell before — and the more you think about it, the worse it gets. You shake your head and refocus on the little demon in front of you. You offer her a smile, and ask if she really does find you attractive.

Lexicon Anathema: "You make for a very cute stallion, I'll give you that. I wouldn't have made you this offer if I didn't feel this way."

You nod, and recall her admitting that she felt lonely out here. At that, she averts her gaze for a split second, a hint of fluster in her otherwise unreadable expression.

Lexicon Anathema: "I may have more than enough to entertain myself, but I still long for the simple pleasures in life sometimes. Things only another pony can provide."

If all she wanted was to spend some time with you, then she could have flirted openly, you point out. You are no Kirin, after all.

Lexicon Anathema: "... I'm shy, okay? But now that we're alone, we can speak freely. Trailblazer, was it? Will you... be my lover, if only for just a moment?"