A Strange New World CH2

>You wake up with a yawn, your body rejoicing at the comfort your newfound quarters were providing you.

>Sleeping in your armour wasn’t too bad, but it couldn’t hold a candle to the luxury of a warm bed.

>Slipping out from under the bed covers, you approach the table leisurely.

>A curious slip of paper catches your eye, a message inscribed on it.

>Picking it up, you read the message from Solaire out loud to yourself.

“Anonymous, I’m going to show you the sights of the city. Take a shower to get all that filth off you, then meet me in the palace entrance when you’re ready.”

>Shower? What in the world is a shower?

>You set the note back down and muse to yourself, wondering what Solaire meant.

>A shower meant something falling down in a large mass… What could be so necessary about that one?

>Looking around the room, your eyes fall upon the door leading a small side room, which you had only checked with a cursory glance the night before.

>Opening it, you are greeted by a small ceramic room with a pristine basin embedded in the wall and a small stone cabinet with a hole in the bottom.

>Your interest piqued by the room, you walk over to the basin, looking for the water with which you’d wash.

>Searching around, you can only find empty cupboards and white linen towels.

>After a fruitless search, you pause for a second, studying the basin.

>Atop it stood two round knobs, attached to a tap overlooking the basin.

>You turn one of them idly, and grin as a steady stream of water begins to flow.

>Turning the other tap grants the same response, to your amusement. Why would someone need two taps providing water?

>Your question is painfully answered as you run a hand under the first tap, recoiling in surprise as it burns your skin.

>As you recoil your hand in surprise, it moves under the second tap, quenching the burned pain with a cool splash.

>Withdrawing your hand, you marvel at the ingenuity of the system: such a luxury as having different temperatures of water on demand would be for only the highest kings back in Lordran.

>Your attention turns back to the stone cabinet, and you stride towards it.

>An invisible barrier repels you and you jump in shock.

>Your alarm turns to embarrassment as you realize what you did.

“A glass door?” you ask yourself incredulously, pulling it open.

>You shake off the embarrassment of your mistake and return your attention to the stone cabinet.

>A large tap sits at about neck height, with two familiar taps at a lower level.

“Obviously designed for ponies,” you mutter to yourself as you stoop down underneath the tap.

>Your suspicions are confirmed as you toy with the taps: like the basin, one side grants a cascade of warm water. The other showers you with cold-

>Wait, that’s it! That’s why it’s called a shower!

>Grinning, you kneel under the shower and turn the warm tap, relishing the marvelous heat the shower provides.

>The water pools underneath, stained brown from the physical memories of your former life.

>It had been an age since you’d enjoyed the luxury of a good cleaning, and you make sure to enjoy your moment in the shower.

>You don’t stay too long though, knowing Solaire would be waiting for you in the palace entrance.

>After feeling thoroughly clean from the grime accumulated on your body, you quickly dry before putting on your armour and leaving your room, navigating your way through the corridors until the palace entrance comes into sight.

>With a grin, you stride over to Solaire, who is looking out across the city.

“Kept you waiting, eh?”

>”Hmm? Oh! Good morning, Anonymous!” he replies cheerfully. “Slept well, I hope?”

“Aye, I had a good night’s rest. I could get used to having a warm bed to sleep in,” you chuckle.

>”I don’t miss having to sleep around a bonfire every night, that’s for certain.”

>Solaire turns and points out across the city, illuminated by the early morning sun.

>”Shall we head off?”

“Aye, I’m curious to what Canterlot is like. Judging by its inhabitants, it’s going to be unlike any city I’ve ever visited before.”

>”It’s got a certain charm to it, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”

“I hope so. Let’s be off!”

>The city is oddly quiet for one of its size, a noticeable lack of ponies around as the two of you walk down the main street.

“I would have thought it’d be bustling,” you admit, looking around you. “Where is everyone?”

>”It’s still early in the morning. Say, why don’t we stop for breakfast? There’s a place nearby that… Well, it’s better if you try it for yourself.”

“It’s fine, Solaire. I’m not hungry.”

>Your stomach takes that moment to rumble so loudly a pony passing by jumps in fright.

“Okay, perhaps I am a little peckish. But I have no idea how payments are dealt with here, or what would be appropriate payment for their wares.”

>Solaire hand-waves your worries, laughing.

>”I do. Being romantically infatuated with the ruler of the city does have some benefits.”

“I wouldn’t have expected free food to be the one you’re most concerned about.”

>”It’s the benefit most relevant to us now. Come on, it’s not too far away from here.”

>Solaire leads you through the sparsely-populated streets, until you stop outside a small wooden building.

>A sign outside the door exclaimed that the building was a ‘café’, whatever that was supposed to mean.

“This is it?”

>”Indeed. Come on in!”

>With a shrug, you follow Solaire in, before stopping dead in your tracks.

>A wall of smells and scents hits your senses, overpowering you.

>Solaire chuckles at your reaction, gesturing to the source of your sensual shock.

>Rows upon rows of baked goods line the wall of the building, each tantalising you with their heavenly smell.

>”You’re drooling, you know.”

>You snap back to attention, raising an eyebrow at Solaire.

“What?”

>”You’ve got drool running down your cheek.”

>Your face turning volcanic red, you quickly wipe away the evidence of your hunger, groaning internally as Solaire laughs at your discomfort.

>”Can I help you two?” a cheery voice calls out.

>Turning around, you are greeted by a cheerful-looking pony, standing behind the long mass of wood that separated you from it.

>"Welcome, sirs!  Come on over to this counter and scrounge around my delicious wares!" she exclaims enthusiastically, gesturing to the vast expanse of baked goods.

>You have no idea what half of these foods were, but your stomach isn’t feeling very discriminatory.

>”What would you like this morning, Solaire?” the baker inquires.

>”Hmm. Could I have an apple pie, dear?”

>”Of course, coming right up!”

>A little badge pinned to her apron reads ‘Orange Medley’. Oddly appropriate for a baker.

>”And what would you like, Sir?”

“I, uh…”

>You stare across the various platters of food, unsure of what to choose.

“All of it.”

>Orange Medley blinks in surprise, squinting at you in confusion.

>”All of it?”

“All of it. I want to try everything.”

>”Very well, I’ll whip up a little of everything, then.”

>Solaire regards you with a disbelieving look as the baker sets off to work.

>”Really?”

“What?”

>”You’re going to try everything? I know I said I’d pay for everything, but that’s just taking advantage of me.”

>Before you can offer an insulted retort, Solaire bursts into laughter.

>”I’m jostling you, of course. I wouldn’t stop you from trying out new things.”

>The two of you take a seat by the window, and within a few minutes the table in front of you is covered in sugar-coated, baked, and iced delights.

>Solaire returns from paying for the extravagant breakfast and sits opposite you, pausing for a moment.

>”You’re going to regret ordering this much food.”

“I know.”

>”That’s not going to stop you, is it?”

“Not at all.”

>”Just remembered that I warned you.”

“Fine. I won’t hold this against you, I promise,” you assure, picking up a loaf of sweetened bread. “Besides, I’ve faced far worse adversaries than a table full of food. I’ll be fine…”

>After having shoved every sweet that was placed down in front of you into your gullet, it doesn't take long for you to start regretting your actions. You clutch your stomach in pain, groaning loudly.

“For the love of Gwynevere, why didn’t you stop me?” you plead as your stomach threatens to return its contents to the table.

>Solaire cups his face in his hand, a gesture of utter frustration, before opening the window next to you.

>You breathe deeply, the cool Canterlot air calming your nausea.

>The familiar noise of a large crowd in the distance catches your attention, distracting you from your aching gut.

>Solaire cocks his head, evidently hearing the faint cheering too.

“Sounds like a street festival. Is this a normal thing for Equestria?”

>”No, not really. It sounds like a parade, but I can’t think of any reason why there’d be one today.”

>”Didn’t you hear?” Orange Medley asks, as she comes over to clean up your table. “They’re having a celebration today in the streets, with parades and music and partying… It’s going to be great for business, that’s for sure!”

“What’s the occasion?” you inquire, straining to listen to the approaching beat.

>”Not from around here, are you?” Medley laughs, before shaking her head. “Stupid question, of course you aren’t.”

>She clears her throat before continuing.

>”Today’s the day when Equestrians remember and celebrate the heroes of old. We didn’t always live in peace, and today we look back on the brave beings who laid their lives down for Equestria.”

“And you celebrate the sacrifice of your soldiers through song, dance, and cheer?”

>”It’s better to do that than mope about it. After all, they didn’t bring about a better world just so we could mourn in it,” Medley retorts, raising an eyebrow. “Solaire, I’m surprised you didn’t know about today.”

>”So am I,” he shrugs apologetically. “Still, at least we now know of it. Is it something you’d be interested in seeing, Anonymous?”

“Aye. I’m not partial to festivals, but I’d like to see this nonetheless.”

>”Great!” Medley exclaims with a beaming smile. “It wouldn’t be right if our biggest hero decided to give it a miss.”

>”You’re too flattering,” Solaire chuckles. “Well then, shall we go enjoy the celebrations?”

>”You sure you don’t want to stay for more food?” Medley asks, giggling as you groan.

“I think we’re quite satisfied on that front, thank you.”

>You follow Solaire out onto the street and begin walking with him in the direction of the cheering.

“I can’t say I agree with the idea of making a song and dance out of harrowing memories,” you mutter.

>”You’ve got to understand,” Solaire begins, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Equestria is nothing like Lordran, and the state of mind couldn’t be more different. Their battles were not the horrifying, nightmarish trials we went through.”

>As you walk along the street, the rabble of the crowd grows in volume, and many street sellers lined the path.

>”No,” Solaire continues. “Their battles were ones of honour: soldiers fighting for what they believed in, for a better future for the ones they loved. Not like us, being forced into conflict by our accursed fates, having to kill our own comrades on occasion…”

>Solaire trails off, before offering a weak smile.

>”Enough with the melodramatics, I’m getting as bad as you are. The festivities approach!”

>He points down the street as a number of wheeled platforms come into view.

>You both step off to the side, hugging the street sides as the parade passes by.

>Atop each platform were a number of different ponies, dancing and whooping with delight.

>Many wore costumes, ranging from typical suits of armour for a knight, to the plumed helmet and matching chest-piece worn by the Canterlot Guard, to elaborate sorcerer outfits with hats that would rival even Logan’s.

>A massive crowd followed the line of platforms, and you could feel the jubilance emanating from it.

>A grin comes to your face without you even knowing it, your sudden joy surprising you.

>Solaire notices your new-found cheerfulness, and flashes a grin of his own.

>”Come on, Anonymous! Let’s join the crowd!”

>You don’t offer any resistance, letting him lead you into the mass of ponies, joining the reveling crowd seamlessly.

>Ponies around you glance up at you, as if admiring the suit of armour currently adorned on your body. While their looks would normally get on your nerves, here you were content with their gazes.

>”And here I thought you weren’t going to enjoy yourself!” Solaire yells gleefully.

“The mood is infectious!” you yell back as a weight rests on your other shoulder.

>Looking round, you come face to face with a small pegasi filly that was using you as a viewing stand.

>Riding off the wave of happiness, you can only laugh in response as the filly secures her balance perched on your head.

>You spy a number of interesting individuals lining the path of the parade: a jester in particular catches your attention.

>She juggles multiple, flaming sticks while balanced on two hooves: an impressive feat for a creature lacking dextrous hands.

>The pyromancy you had learned could certainly put on an unmatched show for these ponies, but you didn’t like the thought of being the centre of attention.

>A blue bolt speeds past your head, causing you to recoil in shock.

>Suppressing a surprised swear, you track the blue bolt as it slows down with your eyes.

>A pegasus with a prominent rainbow mane is the cause of your stress, and you watch as she gracefully lands on a wheeled platform with five other ponies who seem to stand out from the rest in particular.

>Perhaps they had a special part to play in this celebration?

>Glancing round, you notice that Solaire had distanced himself from you, engaged in conversation with a rich-looking stallion.

>You decide to keep going forward without him, as the filly on your head jumps off and flutters gently into the crowd.

>The parade slows down, moving into a large open park with a large stage taking prominence in the centre.

>You hang at the back of the crowd as the cheerful mass begins to spread out, tending to stalls that had already been erected in preparation.

>Solaire easily finds you again, joining your side enthusiastically.

>”My apologies, got caught up with some personal business,” Solaire begins, but you handwave off his apology.

“It’s no matter, I still enjoyed myself.”

>”I also found out something interesting about today. When the festivities draw to a close, Celestia herself is going to make a speech right there, on that stage.”

“A speech? What for?”

>”It’s to commemorate the soldiers who are still present and serving, to bridge the past and the present,” Solaire explains. “Do you know what that will entail?”

“Are you saying that she’s going to be talking about our heroics?”

>”It’s safe to assume.”

“Hmm.”

>”Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, of course not. I just don’t feel like being singled out of a crowd and memorialized.”

>”You don’t want to be recognized for your feats at a festival for heroes?”

“I’m not a hero, Solaire.”

>”You may not feel like one, but you’re responsible for saving both me and Celestia. You deserve some praise”

>He points towards the stage, where Celestia herself had appeared in all her royal, regal glory.

>For such a prominent princess, she was awfully good at appearing out of nowhere.

>Maybe you should stay and listen to her speech. You’ve had worse things happen to you than standing in front of a crowd, right?

>”My dearest ponies…” Celestia begins slowly. “It is my honour to stand before you today, on our seventy-fifth remembrance day. Although the decade since our last remembrance day has been one of general peace, there have been a number of… incidents.”

>She speaks slowly and carefully, observing the crowd. You decide to move to the back of it, in case a quick escape was needed.

>”As all of you know, our great city was besieged in a depraved ploy by the changelings. Thanks to the work of the guards, and Shining Armor, the changeling army was repelled. But I must give special thanks to the brave soul who personally risked his life for me when I was at my most vulnerable, purely out of his beliefs as a knight. That person is, of course, Solaire.”

>A round of respecting applause emanates from the crowd, as Solaire bows courteously to Celestia.

>Moving to a secluded spot, you stay out of the sight of the crowd.

>”But that was not the last time I was to be rescued.”

>The crowd begins to murmur anxiously, and Celestia calms them with a reassuring wave.

>”Due to a series of unfortunate events, I found myself at Solaire’s side, but at the mercy of a terrible demon from another realm.”

>The crowd begins to whisper and question, agitated by Celestia’s reveal.

>”When it seemed all hope was lost, a savoiur arrived…”

>You take a step backwards, eyeing up the exit.

>Celestia motions for Solaire to join her on stage, an invitation that he gladly accepts, giving you ample time to sneak around the crowd.

>”Some of you may know about our most recent arrival, a human who goes by the name, ‘Anonymous.’ Well, it is he who intervened and saved us, in a commendable display of selflessness and courage.”

>You take this as your signal to leave, and you quietly walk away from the crowd, heading back onto the streets.

>Getting praise for things you’d have done anyway wasn’t something you are entirely comfortable with.

>You wander through the still-celebrating crowds, the noise boring into your brain.

>The festivities were beginning to annoy you: you needed someplace quiet where you could lay low for a while.

>Perhaps Canterlot had a library you could take refuge in? It’d probably be empty, what with everyone out on the streets having fun.

>You tap the shoulder of a passing mare, and she recoils in surprise.

“Excuse me, madam, but would you know if there is a library round these parts?”

>The mare blinks, before frowning.

>”Yeah, there’s one. It’s on the city outskirts. Just take the street to the end, and then turn right.”

“Thank you kindly,” you respond politely, setting off down the street.

>Following the stranger’s instructions, you reach the library shortly, leaving the festivities far behind you.

>Entering the respectable looking building, you are greeted by silence.

>A slight coughing from the right causes you to turn, and you are greeted by an ancient-looking librarian, a magnificent pair of spectacles on the bridge of her nose.

“Hello?”

>The mare jumps in fright, her spectacles shaking.

>”Is there somepony there?” she croaks, her eyes squinting.

“Er, yes.”

>”Oh, wonderful!” she exclaims softly, cocking her to the side. “I didn’t think anypony would be in here today.”

“I needed some peace and quiet.”

>”Well, you’ve come to the right place.”

>She adjusts her spectacles slightly, still squinting.

>Her eyesight must be really blind if she can’t see the tall knight standing not three feet from her.

“I’m a new arrival in Equestria. Are there any books I can read that would fill me on the history and customs of this land?”

>”Of course, dearie! You’re going to want to look in the Equestrian History section.”

“Thank you, madam.”

>”Oh bless you dearie, you’re a proper gentleman!” the old mare giggles.

“Uh, you’re quite welcome,” you reply uneasily, quickly making distance from the disturbing librarian.

>As you step into the body of the building, surrounded by bookcases packed to the brim, you begin your search for informative texts.

>After a few minutes of searching the Equestrian History section, you acquire a large, dusty book, hoping it’d be sufficient for your needs.

>You have plenty of seats to choose from in the deserted library, so you decide to settle down at the very back of the library, out of sight.

>Perfect peace and silence…

>You’re engrossed in the book that you fail to notice the presence in front of you until a hoof is waving in your face.

>Recoiling in surprise, it takes a second for your coherence to return.

>In front of you stood a familiar sky-blue pegasus, her magenta eyes regarding you curiously.

>”So, you’re Anonymous, eh?” she asks with an adolescent, cracking voice.

“That I am. Who might you be?”

>”I’m Rainbow Dash!” the pegasus exclaims, fluffing her hair up flamboyantly. “I’m the best flier in Equestria, hooves down!”

“Well met then, Miss Rainbow Dash,” you say, holding out your hand.

>The aptly-named pegasus shakes it enthusiastically, her smile widening.

>”So, Princess Celestia had quite a few things to say about you.”

“I hope they were all good.”

>”Of course they were! You saved the princess!” Dash gushes excitedly, her voice cracking even further.

>Damn, that’s adorable.

“I guess I did. That makes me a hero, right?”

>”Darn right it does!” Dash says, hopping onto a chair next to you.

>The mare’s forwardness puts you at ease, and you relax in your chair.

>”So why didn’t you stick around for the speech? I figured anypony would have wanted to be publicly praised by Princess Celestia herself.”

>You shrug in response.

“I’m not particularly fond of large crowds, and the idea of being commended in front of a crowd for my actions is… novel, to say the least.”

>”Why’s that?” Rainbow Dash asks, a frown forming on her face.

“Well, back from where I came, it wasn’t custom to get congratulated for your efforts in battle.”

>”Aw, that’s a shame,” Dash says sympathetically. “If you ask me, I’d love to be able to stand in front of that crowd as a hero.”

“Perhaps you can teach me how to take approval like that,” you chuckle as Dash’s eyes light up.

>”Is that an offer?”

“Time will tell.”

>You pause for a moment, before smiling.

“Say, it’s not like a spirited young wom-er, mare like you to be in here. The festivities can’t have ended already?”

>”Uh-“

“Unless you came here to talk to me, in which case-“

>”It wasn’t that!” Rainbow Dash splutters embarrassedly, her face turning red. “I came here because…”

“Yes?”

>”I came here to pick up the latest Daring Do issue,” she says, cringing in distress.

>Silence descends on the library for a moment.

“So?”

>Dash seems confused at your oblivious question, her embarrassment making way for bewilderment.

>”You don’t think it’s weird that I read books?”

“Weird? Literacy is a very prized ability, Rainbow Dash. On what grounds would I have to call you weird?”

>Dash pauses, thinking over her words.

>”They mustn’t have schools where you come from, right?”

“There was little time for education in Lordran. Survival was a bigger concern.”

>”Survival?” Dash repeats nervously. “Sounds pretty rough.”

“That’s an understatement.”

>You trail off and Dash looks at you expectantly.

>”So, going to tell me more about this Lordran place? It had to be exciting if it produced a hero like yourself.”

“I’d be happy to tell my tale to those willing to listen,” you say with a sigh. “Although, I might need a drink before I can tell it, or five for good measure.”

>”Alright, that’s cool. I know a cosy little place not too far from here.”

“I’m afraid I don’t have any means to pay though,” you admit, but Dash waves it off.

>”After what Celestia said today, I’d be surprised if anypony was going to try charge you.”

“I don’t want to scrounge free stuff from honest ponies.”

>”You’ve earned it, though.”

>You mull over your options, before shrugging in defeat.

“Very well, then. Lead the way, Miss Dash.”

>”Please, just call me Dash,” she says with a grin.

“Heh. Alright then, ‘Dash’.”

>She hops off the chair and begins walking to the entrance, with you tailing behind her.

>”Don’t forget your books, dearie!” the librarian croaks, pushing a brown bag towards Dash. “That’s everything you asked for.”

>”Thanks a bunch.”

>”Oh, is this your coltfriend?” the old mare inquires, squinting at the pair of you. “He was such a gentleman…”

>You and Dash share a look of disbelief, before suppressing a laugh.

>Dash quickly retrieves the sack of books, hoisting it onto her back and balancing it between her wings, before you follow her out of the library.

>The first thing you notice was the darkness of the night sky above you, dotted by thousands of stars.

“Damn it, I must have been reading for hours.”

>”What were you reading?”

“I was just researching the history of Equestria. Absolutely fascinating, I must say.”

>”Maybe I can tell you more, if you tell me your story,” Dash says with a giggle. “Come on, it’s cold out here. Let’s get to the bar!”

>The walk to the bar takes a few pleasant minutes, during which you casually converse with Rainbow Dash.

>As it turns out, she hailed from a floating city nestled high in the clouds. You were almost reluctant to believe it, if not for the fact that everything in this new land seemed to be fantastical.

>As the two of you reach the bar, which was much more like a tavern in your mind, you pause for a moment.

>”Something wrong?”

“No, just thinking that it’s been at least five centuries that I last set foot in a tavern like this.”

>Dash raises an eyebrow incredulously, snorting in disbelief.

>”Yeah, right.”

>Her smile drops as she realizes you’re being serious, replaced by a look of shock.

>”Five centuries? How in the hay are you that old?”

“Listen to my tale, and you’ll find out.”

>Dash leads you into the bar and directs you to a private table in the corner, before coughing.

>”Hey, Anonymous?”

“Please, call me Anon.”

>”Heh, alright then, Anon. How come you wear your armour everywhere?”

“Force of habit, I suppose. When your travels are plagued by bandits, demons, and death, your armour becomes your second set of skin, never leaving your possession.”

>Rainbow Dash blinks in surprise.

>“That got pretty grim pretty fast. So I, uh, 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, returning a few minutes later 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, Dash. I’ve known you for only an hour.”

>”You seem pretty chill to me. Besides, I can tell we’re going to be bro. It’s my intuition.”

“Well, I hope you’re right, there,” you say, taking a chug of the decidedly mild liquid. “Alright then, I suppose you want to hear my story?”

>”Of course I do!”

>You take another swig, before clearing your throat.

“My tale began with my death, millennia ago…”

>By the time your tale wound to an end, the bar 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 slayed, the hardships I have endured. And that is still only a fragment of my story, a handful of the lives and deaths I’ve experienced. 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. “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 you into my schedule. And I suppose you owe me a drink anyway…”

>You both grin in unison.

>”Thanks though, this was pretty cool. Kind of a grim story but I definitely want to get to know you better.”

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

>”Not like that, idiot!”

“I know, I know! I’m just teasing you, 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! Isn’t it xenophilia to have sex with monkeys?” she splutters. “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 was awesome, even if a little spooky...”

“Just remember: wheel skeletons,” you whisper.

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

>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 supposed to… Never mind. There’s something else I wanted to ask you.”

“Yes?”

>”I’ve got a little audition in a Wonderbolts contest coming up. You down for coming?”

“Certainly, I’d love to.”

>”Great! I’ll find you when it’s time for it, don’t worry about it. See you around!”

“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.

>Your walk back to the castle is slow and uneventful, which changes as soon as you enter the castle grounds.

>The guards now on patrol were sporting peculiar bat-like wings, and their general shape and facial structure were much different than those of normal ponies.

>They regarded you with disinterest though, allowing you free access to wander around the castle grounds.

>You instead decide to retire to your room, tired from the events of the day.

>You slowly shuffle through the corridors, ever conscious about making a racket.

>A cool breeze commands your attention, coming from a balcony that was open to the elements.

>You lean on it, hands gripping the railing tightly. Below lay the city. Above, the moon shined down in fullness.

>With naught left to do than admire the view, you begin to ponder.

>If Solaire had told you at the start of the quest that you’d be thrust into a land of intelligent equines, you’d have laughed in his face. And yet, here you are.

>You would never have to struggle through the disease ridden swamps of Blightown again…

>Nor would you have to deal with murderers, thieves, pillaging dark phantoms, and marauding spirits of vengeance.

>No longer would you feel adrenaline pumping through your veins as you went toe-to-toe with a gargantuan demon with Solaire at your side.

>You feel overwhelming relief at the easing of this burden that had been dominating your life, and yet…

>You stare up at the midnight sky.

>Fighting, survival, death… That is what you know. That is your way of life.

>Every swing of your sword, every lonely moment spent by a bonfire, every war-cry uttered as you charged into battle, that was what defined you.

>A single sigh escapes you, breaking the permeating silence.

>”Is something troubling your spirit?”

>Before you can reply, Princess Luna is standing beside you, staring up at her own handiwork.

>”A fine night, if I do say so myself.”

“Hello, Luna. Do you mind if I call you that?”

>”No, I do not. There is no need for such formality here.”

>She trails off, frowning at the moon.

>”A lovely sight, would you not agree?”

“Indeed, it’s rather lovely. It is quite unfortunate that the last moon deity I encountered was a cross-dressing sorcerer who tried to kill me,” you chuckle. “My experience with the moon has not been a pleasant one.”             

>Luna nods, eyeing you intently. “I see. For whatever it is worth, I assure you that I shall never stoop to such levels. I need not remind you of my debt to you.”

“Relax Luna, I was making a joke.”

>Her gaze returns to the heavens above.

>”Still, it is a shame.”

“What is?”

>”The night sky above...”

“I don’t quite follow-“

>”Would you not agree that the night sky is underappreciated?”

“I… I’m not quite sure. I’ve never really thought about it.”

>”Indeed. Not many ponies do, and yet, is darkness not needed to balance the light of the day?”

>You finally catch on to what the princess was trying to say.

“Princess, I’m sure there are ponies who appreciate the night.”

>”And yet not once have I ever been thanked, appreciated, or even acknowledged…

>You tentatively lay a hand on Luna’s mane, feeling her tense up at your touch.

“Now Luna, I’m certain it’s not as bad as you make it out to be… Ah, I have a proposition.”

>Kneeling down so that your head was level with hers, you motion to the city below.

“Luna, what do you see below us?”

>”I see a sleeping city,” she replies bluntly.

“As do I. But do you know what I also see?”

>She frowns in confusion.

“I see peace.”

>”I beg your pardon?”

“During the day, every man, woman and child is busy. Doing work, taking care of one another, learning, a plethora of things.”

>You make a grand sweeping gesture.

“But at night? Everything is calm. Peaceful. There is no squabbling or strained working, no shouting or racket. At night, everyone relaxes, their spirits eased. Thanks to you, Luna. That’s your gift to them. A moment of peace in an otherwise hectic life.”

>Luna appears to ponder your thoughts, before the smallest of smiles graces her face.

>”Perhaps you are right.”

“I know that I am right. Trust me, Luna. Just because no one is thanking you in person does not mean that they aren’t appreciative. Always remember that.”

>Luna nods, before giggling suddenly.

“Was something I said amusing?”

>”Oh, no. I just had an amusing mental image, is all.”

“Care to share it?”

>”I envisioned myself writing a letter to my sister, detailing what I learned tonight."

“My apologies, but I fail to see the joke.”

>”My sister receives regular reports from her protégé, Twilight Sparkle, into the studies of friendship.”

“Oh, I see.”

>You mull over what Luna said.

“Say, Celestia has not mentioned this ‘Twilight Sparkle’ yet. Any particular cause of that or do I simply not need to know?”

>”I imagine it is due to Miss Sparkle’s incessant curiosity. You’d be answering questions for days about your home realm.”

“As she would be answering my questions, no doubt! I too am itching to find out about Equestria, even with a rudimentary knowledge of its history at my disposal.”

>You suddenly yawn, dizzy on your feet.

“Sorry to cut this conversation short, but I am exhausted, Princess. Goodnight, Luna.”

>”Goodnight, Anonymous. And thank you.”

>You nod in response, before leaving the moon goddess alone as she silently watches the city below.

>You find your quarters. This time you remember to strip out of your armour before climbing in between the cool sheets of the bed. Sleep comes quickly to your exhausted form, marking the end of another day in Equestria.