A Strange New World: CH2

>You settle yourself onto the bench, silently eyeing up the surrounding ponies. Your foresight to leave your weaponry in the palace was fortunate: you already were attracting suspicious looks from the ponies.

>It was understandable though, given that you towered over their diminutive statures.

>Canterlot… It certainly was different to any city you’d stayed in before. There was a subtle charm to the place, an unfounded feeling of happiness that coursed through it. You could pick up on it already: the citizens of this city, probably of this whole land, were happy.  

>Certainly a vast departure from Lordran, where the few remaining souls squabbled and fought each other as the world came apart at its seams.

>You continue resting at the bench, taking in the surroundings quietly, before getting up and stretching. Finding a library would be imperative: your eagerness to learn more about this new land was overwhelmi-

>A sudden blue assailant knocks you over squarely, a shrill exclamation of surprise breaking the gentle silence of the park.

>You climb to your feet and wheel round, as a winged pony with a prismatic mane flounders on the ground. A stack of books surround her and she quickly scrambles to secure them.

“You should be more careful! You could have damaged my armour.” You joke, hoping to diffuse the inevitable tension.

>The blue pony glares at you with a surprising anger.

>”I could have damaged your armour? What about me! I think I’m more important than your stupid tin costume!”

>Oh dear.

“Obviously my attempts to humour you have failed. I apologise ma’am: is there any way I can help?”

>You crouch down to help her pick up the stack of books and she lunges to cover them.

>”No! I don’t need any help!”

.>The crack of her decidedly boyish voice tells you that she’s embarrassed about something.

“No, I insist!” You reach down and swipe a book from under her hooves, ignoring her vocal complaints.

“Daring Do and the… quest to find… the lost treasure of…”

>”Gimme that back!” the pone exclaims, bundling the book into a thick bag lying on the ground. The force of the impact must have sent the bags contents flying…

“Lady, there’s no need for embarrassment.”

>She glares at you. “No need? Do you have any idea who I am? I can’t be found with these books, you idiot!”

“Why in the world would I have any idea who you are? I’m not exactly a long-stayed visitor here.” You retort in annoyance.

>”Wait, you’re new?”

“I haven’t stayed a full day in Equestria. And to be honest, you’re not leaving me with a very good impression. Are all of the inhabitants this brash?”

>Your scathing leaves the blue pony surprised: she blinks comically, before shaking her head.

>”I am so sorry dude; I had no idea that you’re new here.”

“Er, it’s quite alright… what is a dude?”

>”A dude?”

“Yes, a “dude.” Are you insulting me?”

>”What? No, of course not! I’m saying you’re my bro!”

“I… what? I am your brother?”

>”Yes! No, wait, no!”

>The pair of you stand there gaping, before you clear your throat.

“Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot.” You extend a hand towards the pony, who recoils slightly. “You may call me Anonymous.”

>The pony appears to think, before reaching out and shaking your hand tentatively.

>”The name’s Rainbow Dash. I’d ask how in the hay you didn’t know me, but… you really are new.”

>Rainbow Dash. Not surprising in the slightest.

>”Wait, did you say your name is Anonymous?”

“That I did.”

>”Who in the hay would call their son “Anonymous”? That’s a goofy name if I ever had heard one.”

“Well, I… you know what? This conversation would perhaps be best suited elsewhere.”

>”Well, I’m not in a rush. Where’d you want to go, du-Anon?”

“If you could escort me to a library I’d be most grateful.”

>”But… I just came from there… fine!” Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes in frustration, before motioning to follow her.

>She leads you out of the park and down a street: bag hanging by her side as she gracefully hovers in front of you.

>Within minutes, you’d reached a respectable looking building. From the outside you could see rows upon rows of shelves: a plethora of books stacked on each one…

>”You gonna keep admiring that window or are you coming in?” Rainbow Dash complains. You snap out of your trance, nod and follow her in.

>A plain pony, with a rather demur air stares at you as you enter: Rainbow Dash quickly makes her way over to her, whispering hurriedly.

>You make your way past her, examining the rows of books before you.

>Although these ponies seemed to use an identical language to yours, many of the words you could see had no meaning to you.

“Saddle Arabia… Cockatrice… Unicorn…” You mutter as you skim the titles of books. >Looks like you’d have a world of researching to do.

>Rainbow Dash ceases her conversation and joins your side, leaving her bag of books on a nearby table.

>”So, why’d you drag me out here?”

“I’m quite interested in learning more about this land. Of course, I’d rather hear about it from another person’s viewpoint than having to delve into the depths of a book.”

>”Ugh, I always hated history lessons.” She looks round the shelves. “Tell you what. You stay here and I’ll find some textbooks you can use.”

“I won’t object. You know this place better than I do.”

>Rainbow Dash nods before trudging off towards the back of the library. Your curiosity piqued from earlier, you reach into her bag and pull out one of the books she had tried to hide.

“Daring Do… hmm.”

>You carefully open the books, knowing how valuable paper was. In hindsight you really should have apologised for the damage you could have caused earlier.

>”Dude! Quit looking through my stuff!”

>A blue blur snaps the book out of your hands.

“I don’t quite see why you’d be hiding of such material. Surely being able to read is something to be proud of?”

>”Are you pulling my tail? Dude, everyp0ny can read. It’s like, an education requirement.”

>Dash suddenly frowns at you.

>”Where’d you come from that me reading is such a big deal? I can’t think of anywhere in Equestria where you couldn’t learn to read.”

“The issue here is that I didn’t come from Equestria…” Before confusion sets in the blue pony, you speak quickly.

“Say, have you ever encountered Solaire?”

>Rainbow Dash’s eyes light up. “Solaire? Yeah, I remember him! He saved our flanks back when the changelings attacked!”

 “Well, it may not surprise you that Solaire is a good friend of mine.”

>”Oh, so you’re a human thing! Yeah!”

“Indeed!”

>”So, how’d you end up here in Equestria? And where did you come from? And what did you and Solaire do?”

“That is a story for another time…” you chuckle at the disappointed look on her face. “Come find me later in a brewery: you may catch my tale then, if you’re fortunate…”

>Rainbow Dash scrunches her face up in annoyance. “You’re so lame, stringing me along like that. The curiosity will kill me, bro!”

“Then you best make sure that you find me later!” you chuckle, before tipping your head in courtesy.

>Rainbow Dash pouts, yet offers a small smile as you leave with your haul of knowledge.

>You yourself hoped you could find that mare later: You were interested in learning more about her, particularly as to why she’d be reluctant to reveal a love of literacy.

>You exit the library; breathe in deeply, before setting off for the palace.

>It does not take you long to reach the palace, and with little else to do you delve straight into the books you brought.

“A Beginners Guide to Equestria…”

>You silently turn the page and begin reading.

>Over the next few hours your knowledge of Equestria is increased tenfold: information revealed that only served to pique your curiosity even more. The only sound emanating from your quarters is the occasional, involuntary exclamation of surprise, as you learnt more about this strange new land, and its stranger inhabitants.

>As you turn the final page, you take a deep breath: anticipation coursing through you.

“Now, let’s not be hasty. It would be a folly to gallivant off through Equestria so early upon my arrival…”

>”Indeed.”

>Solaire’s voice commands your attention and you face him with a smile.

“Ah, Solaire! How are you?”

>Solaire grasps your arm in a familiar gesture, before patting your shoulder.

>”I’m in a glorious mood! Fate finally seems to be smiling upon us, don’t you agree?”

“I may not be as euphoric as you are, but I can attest to that.” You motion to the books behind you. “I’ve been learning about this land, and by the Gods, it sounds incredible!”

>Your enthusiasm is met by a frown from your friend.

>”I hope you’re not planning on leaving… correct? Surely you would stay for a little while longer?”

”Of course I’m planning to stay! You’ve had enough to worry about as it is: my untimely departure is not something that should dwell on your mind. You should know by now that my curiosity is difficult to satiate.”

>”I suppose so. I’ve tried to forget the time when the two of us were trapped in that infernal dragon’s library…”

“I enjoyed myself.”

>”Well, I certainly didn’t. If I ever have to guard you as you read those damned books of yours again…”

>You chuckle at his frustration, before motioning to leave.

“Say Solaire, why don’t we head out this fine evening? A stiff drink is a luxury we’ve rarely been allowed.”

>He shifts uncomfortably on his feet.

>”Well, I’d love to accompany you, but…”

“Celestia?”

>”I’m sorry, Anon-“

“Oh no, it’s quite alright. I understand. Some things should take precedence over others: you enjoy your evening with her.”

>Solaire opens his mouth as if to continue, before falling silent. Before he leaves your room, he suddenly stops.

>”Oh, it almost slipped my mind!”

>A jingling bag is unclipped from his belt and tossed towards you, and you catch it with confusion.

“And this is…?”

>”Celestia thought it might be wise to grant you a royal allowance, so to speak.”

“Hmm. I suppose I can’t quite barter my way round with souls anymore, can I? Give Celestia my thanks, when you see her.”

>”I assure you that I will. Stay safe Anon, and I still don’t want you getting into trouble!”

>The two of you laugh in unison, before Solaire nods, marking his leave.

>As his footsteps echo down the corridor, you turn back the stack of books. So many things to learn, so little time…

>Well, you might as well track down Miss Dash again. You promised to tell her a story, and you were a man of your word…

 

>You stood outside the tavern, hand secured over the bag of coins gifted to you by Solaire. There may not be thieves in this part of the city but force of habit commanded you to keep the money safe.

>As the door to the tavern swings open, you hope that you’re entrance would be discreet.

>The array of faces that turn to you, gaping immediately dashes that hope.

>You ignore the onlookers and make your way in further: before you know it, a familiar pegasi is calling your name.

>”Hey Anon! Over here!”

>You spy her by the corner of the tavern and make your way over to her, mumbling apologies to ponies in your way.

>You awkwardly squeeze your way into the seat opposite Rainbow Dash, the looks of a dozen confused ponies burning into the back of your head.

>”Dude.”

“Er, hello?”

>”What’s with the armour? You can’t need to wear that thing everywhere, can you? I mean, it looks bucking heavy.”

“You could say it’s a force of habit. Where I come from, your armour is only ever taken off you if bandits are stripping your cold dead corpse…”

>Rainbow Dash blinks in surprise. “Ok then… that got pretty grim, so I think I’ll get us some drinks before I hear this story of yours.”

>The mare hops off her seat and saunters over to the bar. You absent-mindedly run a coin through your fingers, wondering if you should pay for your drinks.

>Rainbow Dash returns with a tray balanced precariously across her wings, and you snatch the pair of beersteins before she could drop them.

“Thank you kindly for the drink. How much do I owe you?”  

>”It’s all cool bro, you don’t need to pay me back for this. Think of it as a friend to friend thing.”

“I hadn’t thought of us being friends, miss Dash. I’ve known you for little over half a day…”

>”You seem pretty chill to me. Besides, you’re really, really weird. I like that.”

“I have been described as many things. Fierce, unyielding, skilled… weird is not one of those things.”

>”Well, you might not think you’re weird but all I see is a giant walking suit of armour. I’m sure everyone in the bar would agree with me.”

“Well, I suppose you’re right there.” You take a chug of the decidedly mild liquid. “On the other hand, back in my homeland a creature like you would be the sight of a lifetime. And my world isn’t exactly the most normal of places! It’s even got wheel skeletons, for crying out loud!”

>Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow. “Wheel skeletons? Like, skeletons on wheels?”

“Worse. Skeletons IN wheels. Dozens of the bastards would charge you at once, pinning you against a wall.” Another deep drink from the mug.

>”Dear Celestia, how horrifying… Your world must be pretty messed up.”

“Messed up isn’t the right term. My world… Lordran…”

>You pause for a moment.

“I think it might be best to start from the beginning of my journey, or rather, as far back as I can remember. It all began in a locked cell, in an abandoned asylum far north…”

 

>By the time your tale wound to an end, the tavern (or “bar” as the enraptured pegasi had referred to it) was empty save for you and your companion.

>You conclude your story with a final swig of your cider, chasing the last droplets down.

“So, you’ve listened to my tale. You’ve heard about the places I have struggled through, the beasts I have slaved, the hardships I have endured. Tell me… when you sat down tonight, awaiting my words… did you expect anything like what I revealed?”

>Rainbow Dash’s face was almost indecipherable, a dozen conflicting emotions etched into it. Horror and disgust prevailed, but you could tell she was, perhaps deep down, impressed.

>”I…” She struggles with her words, before regaining her composure. “Dude… I don’t know what to think. Part of me thinks that you’re lying… the other part knows you couldn’t have made that up.”

>She looks down at the table, before locking eyes with you.

>”Sorry if I sound rude, but how in Equestria did you survive all that? Take out your height and you’re not much to look at.”

“Good. An opponent who underestimates me is an easy target. As for the matter of my survival… I owe it to a number of things. Luck, fate or whatever you may call it played a role, yes… but without my skills, without my training, without Solaire to support and guide me through the land, I would not be here.”

>Rainbow Dash’s face contorts into confusion and sadness, and you ruffle her hair.

“Oh now, there’s no need for the long face. That life is behind me now…”

>”Long face?”

>…

“It was a joke.”

>”You don’t see me laughing.” Rainbow Dash retorts, a faint smile teasing the corners of her mouth.

“Perhaps next time I shan’t discuss such a grim topic. Would that alleviate the mood at all?”

>”Next time? Getting a bit ahead of yourself there, Anon.”

“What? You mean I wont be enjoying the company of Miss Dash any longer?” you ask with a healthy lacing of sarcasm.

>Rainbow Dash puts on a fake pout ,cocking her head at you. “I suppose I might be able to fit this into my schedule. And I suppose you owe me a drink anyway…”

>You both grin in unison.

>”In all seriousness, this was… interesting. Not the most pleasant of talks, but I’d like to get to know you better.”

“Oh my!” you coo, causing her to blush.

>”Not like that, idiot!”

“I know, I know! Your repeated missing of jokes is grating my patience, Miss Dash.”

>”Ugh.” She flicks her head back. “That wasn’t funny.”

“Perhaps not to you. Then again , your closest friend engaging in coitus with ponies would not be as disturbingly amusing…”

>It takes the cyan Pegasus a second to catch on to what you were implying.

>”Whoa… you’re telling me that Princess Celestia and Solaire…

“I walked in on the act.”

>”Ew! I know the Princess had some weird hobbies but I didn’t know getting down and dirty with monkeys was one of them! No offence to you of course.”

“None taken, I share the same mindset.”

>You both shudder, before chuckling.

“Well, the hour is getting late. Making my leave is perhaps the best idea...”

>”Hey, thanks for turning up tonight. Your story really was something, and I’m glad you took the time to tell me it. Even if I am going to have nightmares…”

“Just remember… wheel skeletons.” You whisper.

>”Nope!” Rainbow Dash cries, planting her hooves over her eyes.

>You grin, and make your way out of the bar onto the empty street.

>”Oh yeah, and before you go!”

>You turn back round to Rainbow Dash who was hovering in the air, a hoof stretched out towards you.

>”Go on, don’t leave a bro hanging!” she yells.

>You shrug and shake the hoof, as she cusps her face with a hoof.

>”You weren’t meant to… never mind. See ya around, Anon.”

“If fate allows it, I’ll see you again shortly.” You reply, before she takes off into the midnight sky with a grace you could only dream of.

>Even with just a few hours spent together, you could tell you and her were getting on well. The more friendly faces you can count on in Equestria, the better…