//------------------------------//
// Agreement offered 
// Story: The pony from the forest. 
// by jdz1654 
//------------------------------//

	As the group of ponies could not hold back there fright as they walked through the deep forest. Each of the sound coming from the shadows were terrifying, even with Nightshades promise to protect them they were still as frightened as ever. The group of friend were also concerned about the new stallion. Aside from knowing he was friends with Zecora and he was strong enough to fight off a pack of deadly timberwolves they knew nothing about him. They could be walking to their deaths. Twilight seemed to be the most calm sense they met him, but she was careful to also pay attention to his behaviour. She kept making small mental notes about the way he talked and about how he acts. One of the things she seemed to notice the most is his uncomfort with Rainbow, he would always try to avoid looking straight at her and make contact. Rainbow seemed to notice as well. she kept trying to talk to him but he would just answer with short replies. After a while she just gave up and walked quietly. Rarity asked question too, though mostly about his mane and his what he would look good in. It was strange though, he could answer each one of hers easily, even mentioning the cloths at his home and how he was willing to show her. He also started conversations with the others, talking about what they do and his own stories about the different subjects. What seemed to be a recurring theme is he never told them about himself, just some stories about some of his past.

When he stopped and told the group they were at his home everyone looked confused. They could only see a group of tall trees.He asked one of them to step up to enter, and asked Rainbow to help with one. Rarity stepped up eager to see. He quickly swept her up holding her by his front hooves, he opened his wings and flew up faster than any of them thought possible while holding another pony. The surprise caused Rarity to grab onto his neck and close her eyes. She felt his hands slip away so she grabbed tighter, but then a feeling of grass could be felt of her hooves.When she opened her eyes she went into a state of shock at the sight of the brightly lit, colorful area. The others soon joined in her shock as each came in faster the the last. Rainbow Dash was carrying applejack so when she landed her face was red from the strain of lifting another pony so high. Shade lead the way to his home. Noticing the mares expression of shock he gave them a second to allow it to sink in. When they snaped out of the daze they began to notice some of the more defining features, like the garden, the river, and the signs.As they read each one they began to feel uneasy  again. 

"Don't worry, they're not for you. I sometime have  'unwanted guest' so the signs are just there to warn them what will happen, But I Digress, please take heed in knowing this is the safest place in the entire forest." With those words a mix of uneasiness and relief went through them. As he opened the door and invited them in a stream of cool air pass through them. The foyer was big despite the look of it outside, having a door connecting to the kitchen, a long hallway, and a spiral staircase leading both down and up. "please make yourselves home, you can explore any of the rooms but two. The door with a X on it and the door with W &  F on it are strictly forbidden," his face was serious and set on the group, though his eyes stared mostly at Rainbow dash,"Those are the rules. Oh My, it's getting late out, so please pick a room and get ready for dinner." With that he left for the kitchen and started preparing dinner.

The girls explored the house going into each room to find each one having a different design as the last, then settling on the one that suits them the best. Exploring the house whey found many beautiful paintings, pottery and some jewelry. Going down stairs into the training area. It had many dolls, all pony shaped, with wooden stakes on them. On the wall there was a sink with a towel next to it. Rainbow decided to stay and test the equipment, though when she hit one of the dolls a big scream could be heard all  the way to main area. heading up stairs they found the two forbidden rooms and passed them with a second glance. Opening the door with the "washroom" sign, there was a large tub, big enough for all of them at once. After exploring the house they still couldn't believe that so deep in terrifying place life the Everfree forest there could be such an amazing place.

Dinner was ready and set, when they sat down to eat. After everyone was done the sun set and the moon beginning to rise. Everyone went to there respected rooms, except Shade. He went upstairs into the room with the X on it and began to look through a pile of photo albums. Finding one that said "old friends" he opened it a spread out pictures of fillies with there names on each one. There in the center of the photos was a young, blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, under it the initials RD were written. When he flipped it over on the back was written "I won't remember, but I will always had been there" putting it down the stallion left the room and went for a long night rest.





Tearing of a small pieces I give them to each of the small fillies with a big smile on my face. Taking one for myself I eat it fast and limp over to a Dashie I giver her the rest of the bread. With a big smile she took it with thanks, and helps me rinse off the mud and small bits of blood. I hear screaming in the main building. A white pegasus, but with has a horn too, looks around seeing all the half starved children, some with large cuts and some with picked feathers. With a disgusted look on her face she yells, "guards, make sure each and every one of these children gets a good meal and shower."  A group of stallions and mares in armour came rushing out.  Leading each of us to a large building with a sign that said "orphanage" on it they took me and any other injured and bandaged me up. The same white mare came over to me and asked," Hello dear, we're not here to hurt you, were here to help. Your blue friend told us about how you would always get hurt to help your fellow friends. It was very brave of you to do that. Do not worry, you won't be hurt anymore I'm here to give you a good home." with a warm smile she left. 





When they woke up and said the 'good mornings' they had a big breakfast and Shade gathered every one into the main room. "So, Now that we're all fed and rested I would like to make you an offer. You see, no one knows I'm here besides a few close friend, and I suppose you now. The fact that I'm here is meant to be a secret and now that you know I would like you to keep it a secret. Now I know it doesn't sound like much, but It's a really big deal for me and my friends. If anyone were to find me it would be bad for me. Now I would like to be 'friends'." Everyone gave each other a look and came to an agreement.

"OK. we'll keep your secret, although we would like to know why you need to be hidden away. If thats alright? 

"If you can keep my promise and this a secret I'll tell you my story, and if you don't mind, try to keep the noise at a minimum. I'll begin with my childhood."