Tree House chapter 2
 
Part 1
 
>You are now Twilight
>And it looks like a minotaur family is living in these very woods.
>By Celestia you are lucky they are friendly! They normally are somewhat secluded and protective of their property.
>You have also never heard of minotaur dwelling on a tree house. But you can ask everything you want from the elders, when this small one will pull you in.
>You can’t see him all that well because of a constant stream of rain – but he seems small enough to not yet develop horns.
>And his fur is barely visible.
>Anyway, you see a rope ladder of some sorts
>Pretty sure it’s impossible for you to just climb it, though. Most of the time you spent Physical Education class curled with a book. Reading a book on running while actually running is not a very productive idea, too.
”Okay twilight, you can do this.”
>You pull your hooves through the gaps in the ladder and hold for your dear life.
“I’m ready!”
>”Ok, hold tight!”
>You are holding onto the ladder as hard as you can, curling it with your legs and gripping it with your mouth.
>Ascending with slow methodical pulls, each pull threatening to release your grip on the ladder.
>Never had the strongest jaw, and the rain has made the rope wet and slippery.
>A minute later you are grabbing the edge of the porch and scrambling your sorry body over it.
>You are panting hard, your legs aching from all the walking and hanging, your jaw nearly dislocated.
>The rope probably left some deep marks on your legs.
>Should really get on Rainbow’s idea of morning runs. Especially now when you have some free time to do it earth-pony style.
>You see the minotaur really close, holding the rope and almost fall back down.
>It’s sitting on the floor, legs spread against the doorjamb
>And it’s definitely not a minotaur.
>Looks mostly like it, but no horns, no fur, facial expression is nothing like a bull.
>There is a patch of hair directly on top of the head, as well as some on the face.
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>Fully covered in clothes.
>In fact, that’s nothing you've ever seen or even heard before.
>This needs research. As a praised student you have read about all and every creature inhabiting Equestria.
>Aside from snakes. Snakes are gross.
>And bats. They are gross too, not as much as snakes though.
>But this is not just any creature! It’s intelligent, and you somehow don’t now anything about it!
>Where could have it even came from?
>The brain kicks into overdrive as always when you see something new or interesting.
>Analytical state of mind they call it.
>The creature suddenly stood upright again, just as a minotaur would. Maybe it’s some kind of subspecies?
>So a Bipedal creature... without a tail? That's going against all biology books you have read.
>How does it keep upright posture with nothing to balance it?
>The center of mass can't be in its legs, seeing that it's torso is so much bigger. Unless it's feet are made of that new, super-heavy alche-magical element that was discovered not a month ago by some secluded alchemist in Canterlot.
>Which is beyond unlikely, but can still be considered a theory.
>Eyes facing forward. Typical predatory feature. However, the creature is lacking any other predator traits. No claws, the mouth is rather small, the jaw is not big and strong enough to bite through anything...
>Long arms, five fingers on each. Looks very small and elegant. You wonder how this thing doesn't hurt them... It was even able to pull you up with them, so they look rather strong.
>Oh, there actually are claws... nails? Small and unfit for attack.
>Maybe it’s poisonous? A poisonous predator, a clever one, and you are in it’s house. Good job, Smarty pants.
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>Fully covered in clothes. It's not that cold out there even considering the rain, and it's certainly pretty warm inside. Is there a kind of occasion you interrupted? Perhaps a formal meeting?
>Is the creature even alone here? The house seems big enough for a couple more inhabitants.
>It opened his mouth to talk to you, and even before you registered the sound your eyes notice his teeth. Omnivore, you are certain of it. Well that gradually lowers the threat of being eaten alive.
"...Hello? Hello there, can you hear me?"
>The voice is pretty low, so it… he should be male.
>Oh, right, he’s talking to you.
"H-hello, sorry, just got distracted... umm... Thanks for pulling me up, it’s so wet out there. I was so lost, and then I noticed your home and Called for help. I'm so sorry for interrupting whatever you are doing now, I also…"
>"Okay, okay, no need to fret, it's fine. Welcome to my home miss..."
"Twilight Sparkle. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and thank you so much for letting me in. I will try not to impose and will be out of your hair as soon as the rain dwindles a bit."
>"Well hello, Twilight Sparkle. Come on, get in - no need to speak on the doorstep. You obviously need some warmth now, you are positively shaking.”
>He turns around, motioning for you to follow him.
>You awkwardly do so, noticing a trail of dirt your hooves leave behind. Your sodden mane and tail are dripping water everywhere.
>And now goes the blushing, not only do you storm into his home in the middle of something important, but you bring all the dirt with you.
“Umm…”
>He turns around, sees your blush and hesitation, clearly not getting it.
>You awkwardly show him your forehoof with a spot of dirt under it.
>He brightens up and grabs a rug from a broomstick nearby.
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>”Here, I don't have any hot water at the moment, so at least dry your hooves with it. I’ll give you a towel for your hide inside.”
>Well that’s better than nothing. You do as he says, while he watches you closely.
>It makes you a little uncomfortable. Is there something else wrong with you, or is it a predator thing? Does he look at you as his prey, analyzing when it’s best to strike?
>Okay don’t panic, Twilight, if he were to attack you, he’d do that the moment you were hanging from the rope. At his mercy.
>Oh God, how reckless are you, trusting your life with a creature you have never even seen before?
>He turns around and motions to follow him again.
>You pass through the dark corridor, couple doors left and right.
>Little to no decorations, aside something that looks like a poster. You can’t really distinguish all the features in the dark.
>You arrive in something that is clearly the living room.
>It’s huge, but there is not a lot of furniture here. A couch and a couple armchairs around a table. It’s normal sized for you, but for him it’s just a coffee table.
>Bookshelves are all over the walls.
>Something covered with cloth at the very middle.
>And a chimney.
>You almost melt at the prospect of radiating warmth washing all over your drenched self.
>As much as it’s a number one wish of your body, your mind is fixated on something else.
>The books!
>All of them with titles you've never seen before! And it also instantly feels like home.
>You stay in awe for a second, but then notice a knowing smirk the creature has on his face.
>”That’s my home library, yes. Now get in front of the fire, I'll bring you a towel to dry yourself.”
>He turns around and walks out of the room to get the towel.
>How does he… Is he telepathic?
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>Oh well, even a poisonous, telepathic omnivore magician can’t be that bad with so much literature at home.
>As you get near the fire, the warmth brings the sensation of safety and calmness.
>You would feel calm, if only you weren't so mad at yourself right now for being irresponsible and stubborn as an ass.
>You notice that the light source in the room is a lamp with an enchanted glass bowl of some sort.
>That's an interesting approach, you use crystals yourself, but you can't sense any magical energy in the...
>Oh... right. The burnout.
>The frown fills your face just the moment the creature comes in with the towel.
>He gives it to you, while you awkwardly grab it with your hooves and start drying yourself.
"Thank you for that, it's really a nice place here..."
>Okay Twilight, don’t let your thoughts get into a dark place.
>You force yourself to smile again and look into his eyes.
"Sorry if my question sounds rude, but I haven't seen a creature like you before, so if you don't mind me asking... what exactly are you?"
>He blankly looks at you for a second and then chuckles.
>"How do I put it? I'm a creature that we ourselves call Humans. So I'm a human, male to be specific. We live very far away from here, to put it lightly. I can say that I have never seen a pony before in person, and most of the population never heard of Equestria, too. So don't feel bad if you've never heard of our species."
"Wow... you have never seen a pony before? That's weird."
>"World is a weird place, Twilight Sparkle. You see, I have never intended to get here in the first place. Consider it an accident. I was going anywhere and somehow ended up here. On a tree. No regrets, though."
>An accident? Probably a magical misfire.
>At least you are not the only one with such a trouble.
"Do you have a name?"
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>His sight goes blank for a second.
>"Oh, how rude of me. Well I do have a name, but seeing as this is a new place and possibly a new life, I might as well pick a new name."
>He thinks for a second.
>"And while I think of something appropriate you can just call me 'Anonymous'. 'Anon' for short."
>This sounds pretty stupid, but you can go with that - what do you know about their culture?
>Maybe they believe that disclosing one’s name to a stranger gives him power over you, just as an old Griffon custom.
"Please to meet you, Anon."
>“Have a sit on a couch, I'll get you a drink. Don't want my guest to catch pneumonia."
"You have some pony medicine?"
>"I have something better."
>He smiles and goes to another room again.
>What a weird fellow.
 
>You are Twilight Sparkle
>And you are currently sitting in the living room of a creature you've never even heard of. A Human. In the middle of the Everfree forest. On top of a tree.
>Somehow an ordinary day turned into another weird adventure.
>Anon enters the room again, this time holding a bottle and two glasses in one hand. The bottle contains some brownish liquid in it. You can’t read what is written on the bottle very well, but the sticker is black and looking pretty menacing, overall.
>He sets the glass on top of the table next to another bottle already standing there – this one with yellowish liquid - and sits himself in an armchair in front of you.
>He then pours the content of the black sticker-ed bottle in a glass and offers it to you, still keeping the lighthearted smile.
>A strong smell fills the room.
>That smell... is of an alcohol!
>”Here. Drink this, preferably in one gulp. It might be pretty strong but it is the best cure right now.”
>You awkwardly pick up the glass, but hesitate, still looking into his eyes.
>Why does he need to give you alcohol?
>And this is not just some punch, this is something hard.
>The likes of which can be found in some underground bars in Canterlot, with the public not really up to your standards.
>Seeing your hesitance, he explains himself:
>"Consider it a bitter medicine. Best thing you can do after cold is widen your blood vessels. Alcohol works like a charm here."
>That at least sounds logical.
>The smell still isn't very nice and you are not sure what REALLY is in there.
>He groans, takes your glass back, and quickly downs it with one audible gulp, cringing a little.
>"See? I'm not trying to poison you. Now drink." – Anon says as he pours another portion into the glass.
>Did he just assume that you thought he was trying to poison you?
"No, that's not what I-”
>"Just drink it. And as an advice - exhale before drinking."
>Okay, no poison here, the human just drank it himself. Unless it’s race specific.
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>NO, Twilight, stop over-thinking this. Anon is just a kind creature that has taken you into his home and you keep accusing him of things. That’s not very friendly. You already passed this step with the whole Zecora business.
>It would be very rude to deny a helping hoof… hand. Even though you've never drank anything harder than punch in your life.
>You quickly gulp the content of the glass.
>Oh, Celestia.
>OH, CELESTIA, IT BURNS!
>The heat spreads all over your throat and lungs, resting in your stomach.
>You begin to breathe quickly, trying to ease the heat.
>Tears build up in your eyes.
>"Not a hard drinker, are we?"
>He have just given you some burning ACID and just laughs at you now?
>"Don't worry it will pass soon enough and you will feel all better. Here, drink this"
>Another liquid? What's it this time? Ice potion? No, thanks, mister.
>"That's just some juice, not an ice potion."
>Wait, did you just say your thoughts out loud?
>You just down the whole glass of juice to avoid more excuse blabbering.
>"Feeling better?"
>Surprisingly you do.
>The heat now only rests in your stomach, radiating the warmth all over your body.
>A pleasant sensation. Guess humans know how to deal with low temperatures after all.
“Yes, that’s actually pretty good feeling. The taste is still foul.”
>”You get used to it, heh. Now, I believe you have quite a number of questions to ask me?”
“You have no idea.”
“If that’s not too much of a trouble”, you quickly correct yourself
>”Absolutely not. In fact, I do have a lot of questions for you, as well.”
“So… Okay, first - just to make sure -Is there any occasion I’m interrupting?”
>”No, not really, why?”
“Well, you are all dressed up, so I assumed…”
>”Oh, right. To be short – that’s a cultural thing. We wear clothes all the time, and as you see we don’t have much fur to keep us warm.”
“Interesting… So you come from the north with it's constant cold?”
>”That’s a nice way to ask for whereabouts of our country, but I’m afraid I don’t really know which direction it is. I did not really select the destination.  
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“So is there anyone else like you around here?”
>”Not that I know of, no. And seeing as you don’t know what I am as well – I’m the only one.”
>Well, that’s actually a little sad.
“But what led you here in the first place?”
>”Here in the middle of the Everfree? An accident. Caused by a series of unfortunate events.”
>You are starting to get accommodated with his mimic, even if it’s not as expressive as on a pony face – so this is most certainly a barely visible frown.
“But you can return back, right?”
>”In theory? Yes. But not only will it take time and a lot of preparations, but I’m not sure I even want to go. Or at least to go back.”
>So it’s not an innate magic that let him teleport such a long distance, it’s some sort of a ritual that requires preparation! Probably a secret technique of his people. Oh gosh, so much you can learn about this new magic! Hope it’s nothing dark though.
>”Say, Twilight, seeing as I’m new here… Can you bring me up to speed with some recent events? Zecora is sure a great storyteller, but she’s not exactly knowledgeable about Equestrian politics, history and general situations.”
“Wait, you know Zecora?”
>”Well yeah. We are now neighbors after all. Her hut is about thirty minutes to the west. She was the first intelligent creature I met here. She told me where I am and some general details about Equestria and the ponies.”
>Zecora, the ambassador of Equestria. Not the worst pony to give an impression about us, that’s for sure. Seeing as she’s also the only representative of her species around.
>”Before you ask – you are the second. Intelligent creature I mean. So what about some details?:
“Umm, where do I start?…”
>”Maybe start with yourself? What do you do for living, for instance?”
“Well, my name is Twilight Sparkle, but you know that already, heh-heh, and I’m a resident Librarian in a nearby town of Ponyville.”
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>Also personal student of Princess Celestia, two time savior of all of Equestria, one time hero of Canterlot and a living representation of the element of Magic itself.
>No need to intimidate someone with your titles though.
>”A librarian, huh? Intriguing. So what exactly is a librarian doing in the supposedly deadly and scary Everfree forest?”
“I uhh...”
 
>You are now Anonymous
>And you are sitting on a couch with a purple unicorn quietly weeping on your lap.
>As you slowly stroke her mane you keep thinking that the question you asked was far more dangerous than you expected.
>First Twilight started blabbering something incoherent about potion making lessons and a book on witchery.
>Her poker face needs some work though.
>Seeing as you are not buying it, she tried to casually tell you that she’s burned out and can’t do any magic at the moment.
>Keyword is “tried”.
>At a certain point she just broke down and started crying rivers.
>You learned how unfair life is.
>Learned how tired Twilight is of trying to keep her “everything is going to be just fine” composure.
>How lonely and in pain she felt.
>How she can hardly sleep, afraid of constant nightmares, and even Luna can’t help her every day – the princess is not her personal sleep assistant after all.
>How bad she’s treating her friends recently out of her misery and pain.
>Even Spike, her loyal assistant, has not heard so much criticism in a long time.
>Somewhere in the middle of all this, you just sat nearby to comfort her.
>Rest of the speech was barely understandable and spoken to your lap.
>Well, at least the burnout is only temporary.
>By the way, you don’t hear any weeping at the moment.
>Looking down, you discover that the mare is sleeping, her head still on your lap.
>Well, you can give her that.
>You CERTAINLY can give her that.
 
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>For the first time since you heard her voice in the rain you allow yourself to lose your cool.
>The internal scream of joy and adorableness can possibly be heard on more than one plane of existence.
>You wish you could see your own face right now.
 
 
 
 
>”Twilight.”
>”Twilight it’s time to wake up.”
>You are once again Twilight.
>And you suddenly are aware of your surroundings.
>Your head is resting on Anonymous' lap as he’s waking you up easily, shaking your shoulder with his hand.
“Oh my! I’m so sorry! I never meant to fall asleep on you and I…”
>You suddenly remember your breakdown in front of him.
>Panic levels are on the rise but you are quickly interrupted by the human.
>”Shush. No apologies. Stop offending me with your accusations. It. Is. OK. Now, as much as I’d love to continue our little chat here, we have another matter at hand.”
 “What kind of matter?”
>”Well, you really need to get home. The rain is over and you have been out in the Everfree for how long? As far as you told me you have some great friends. I’d be dead worried about you in their place.
>My goodness! Rainbow dash is probably scouting the Everfree already! And the search party might be at full force!
“You're right! I need to get back right now, before my friends are lost in the Everfree like I am! Can you lower me down and show how to get to Ponyville from here? Or to Zecora’s?”
>”I will lead you. Can’t risk you getting lost again.”
>You blush as he stands up, motioning you to follow.
>The descent from the tree house was pretty easy.
>You grabbed the ladder once again and quickly descended to the damp ground with it.
>The rainwater is still dripping from the trees and the ground is a mess – but the evening is not as cold as can be.
>You stare in a little awe as Anonymous gracefully joins you on the ground.
>Looks like his kind is very keen at climbing.
>Probably taking their roots from some apes.
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>It’s your strongest theory right now – not a poisonous telepathic predator, rather a clever and friendly ape.
>And the books! All the books he has – almost as much a library as you have.
>Maybe… Just maybe if you two become friends he will let you read or even borrow a couple books from his library?
>Anon checked his pockets once more, getting out and putting back several devices of unknown nature and grabbed a hatchet, stuck in the tree.
“Why do you need an axe?”
>”Timber-wolves are dead afraid of it. Or at least that’s what Zecora told me. Haven’t met them yet.”
>Clever.
“So which way now?”
>”Follow me, it’s just an hour walk.”
 
>On the way through wet forest, you mostly talked.
>You shared some details on the current political situation and overall Equestrian system.
>Couple facts from history, as well as some of the stories about you and your friends.
>Nothing major though, it’s very embarrassing when a pony that defeated Discord can’t find her way home.
>A little less embarrassing if she’s just a librarian.
>Anon shared some details about his life as well.
>It looked like he’s not yet willing to share all details though.
>He mentioned his father, going to school and university, some funny childhood stories – though again, almost no details.
>It looks like their society is very close to the ponies.
>The biggest difference is that they have a selectable leader and several, separate countries.
>And they know next to nothing about astronomy. They always thought that the sun and the moon are moving all on their own.
>Understandable, knowing they have no control over their weather.
>The thought of a race living in one big Everfree forest is wrong on so many levels.
>How can they even grow crops if they can’t regularly water them with enough rain?
>Weird. But very, very new.
>Now you are standing on the very edge of the Everfree forest.
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>It’s almost dusk and you hope that the ponies for the search party have not yet been gathered.
>Knowing Spike, it’s tough luck – but a mare can dream.
>”Well, that’s where we go our separate ways, Twilight. Hope you can find your way to the town right now.”
“Oh, cut it out already! This won’t happen again.”
>”You’ll have to prove it, though. If you remember the way – you are welcome to my home any time.”
“I was actually planning to ask you if I can come again and repay you for what you've done.”
>”I've done nothing, Twilight. And a couple dozen “thanks” I already received are enough. Still, I want to ask you one thing. I’m not very comfortable with loads of ponies coming to look at me. I kind of like my seclusion for now.  Want to establish my home, deal with some personal stuff. No time for a lot of socializing, really. So if you can kind of… not tell everyone where you've been for now, I would appreciate it."
“You want me to keep you a secret?”
>”Well, I’m not saying it’s a secret… But it’s a secret. For now. So yes, please don’t tell anyone. I prefer to meet the rest of the population on my terms, when I’m ready. You, however, are free to visit my place whenever you like. Seeing as we have quite a lot of other matters to discuss.”
“Sure, Anonymous, that’s the least I can do for you. And thanks. Really.”
>”Go already. Find your friends – they’re probably looking for you.”
“I’m going, I’m going. Good bye, Anonymous.”
>”Take care, Twilight Sparkle.”
>As you move towards Ponyville, you turn back and find his tall figure standing between the bushes.
>He waves his hand, turns around and quickly disappears behind the trees.
“Luna, keep him safe”, - you mutter quietly.
>”TWILIGHT! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN! WE WERE WORRIED SICK ABOUT YOU! Mayor Mare is already gathering a search party!”
>Uh-oh.
>A certain multicolored pegasus with a pretty furious look lands right in front of you.
>Guess you have a lot of explaining to do.