//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7 
// Story: A Different Viewpoint of Equestria 
// by Christopher28 
//------------------------------//

Johnathon found himself flanked on either side by Applejack and Twilight Sparkle as they walked from the Library toward the Sweet Apple Acres barn.  "So, Ladies, care to let me in on what your friend Pinkie might have planned?" the human asked as they walked, more to make conversation than anything else.

"I think I'll just let you see for yourself, Sugar."  Applejack told him with a grin.  "But I don't think she's got nothing fancy in mind.  Just a get together for friends and family and the like.  Pinkie's real good about keeping promises, I'll have you know."

Johnathon nodded, and glanced the other way at Twilight.  "So, how did your trip to Canterlot go?" he looked in the direction of the giant fairy castle, noting that it was only visible from some points in town, as hills and trees and even buildings nearby blocked the view.  "I am assuming that... huge palace that's on the side of the mountain over there is it?"

Twilight followed the direction of his gaze.  "That's right." she smiled.  "I did find several texts that I think will be VERY helpful.  Princess Celestia was kind enough to give me her personal journal from the period directly after Discord's reign... with her notes on the dimensional portal that led to your world.  Unfortunately, there is not much else written on the subject, as apparently only the princesses and a few of their trusted retainers were aware of it at the time."

Johnathon nodded.  "I'd be curious to see that journal myself some time, if that'd be alright.  I WAS researching the ruins on my planet that your princesses built.  I'd really love to find out what the builders themselves were thinking during that period." he shrugged.  "Not that I'll be able to use that information when... or if I get home, I suppose.  No one would believe me."

Twilight looked at him curiously.  "Why not?  I mean...." she paused, and thought about it seriously.  "Oh... well, I suppose it might be difficult to prove that those ruins were created by our princesses, unless you could prove they exist as well."

Johnathon nodded.  "That would be the main problem.  There isn't really any evidence on my world of you all... at least, nothing besides myths and legends.  If I try to tell people that the ruins were created by magical alicorns from another dimension, I'd be laughed out of academia... if I wasn't thrown into a mental institution first."

Twilight sighed.  "I'm sorry.  It must be difficult, knowing the truth and knowing you'll never be able to tell anypony."

Johnathon grinned.  "Oh, I can tell anypony... it's my fellow humans that won't believe me." he shrugged.  "Don't worry about that part, Twilight.  I'm not going to be all that broken up about that part of this.  It's a shame, but being famous for uncovering an incredible historical find?  Well, it would be nice, but I've never been all THAT ambitious.  There are better things to want out of life."

Applejack looked curious.  "Like what?"

Johnathon smiled faintly.  "Well, you might find this corny... but like friends, family.  Those have always been the most important things to me." he sighed, and shook his head, but didn't seem inclined to continue.

Applejack spoke up carefully.  "If you don't mind me asking, Johnathon, did you leave anypony special behind?  Are your friends and family going to be missing you?"

Johnathon hesitated.  "Well... my parents... my brother... my step son." he shook his head.  "Most of them won't even know I'm missing yet, unless my co-workers..." he sighed.  "On second thought, they may very well have gotten word out already." he shook his head.  "There's nothing I can do about that.  I'm afraid that they'll probably have a search party out looking for me... and when they don't find me, they'll probably wait a while, then declare me dead." he sighed.  "My family will be worried... I wish I could let them know at the least that I'm alright."

Twilight grimaced.  "Oh... I... I wish I could help.  It's just... even just the basic principles of this sort of magic are so complex... I don't think I'd be able to even send a message for quite a while." she sighed.  "I'm sorry...."

Johnathon shook his head.  "No... seriously, it's not your fault, and intellectually, I know that it's not my fault either.  I'm sorry my family will have to go through being sad because of my loss... but I know they'll be alright.  No one is depending on me... my step son is all grown up, and he's got plenty of family.  My brother and I kept in touch pretty regularly, but he and his wife are a great couple, they'll be fine." he sighed.  "I kind of worry about my folks the most.  They're getting up there in years, but my parents still think of me as their little kid sometimes."

Applejack moved over and nudged him with the side of her body.  "If I'm any judge, Johnathon, I'd wager your folks are strong-uns.  They raised themselves a pretty tough son.  They'll be all right."

Johnathon nodded.  "Sure."  He shook his head.  "It'll be... well, now that I think about it, if... when I do go back, everyone will probably think I'm dead.  It'll be quite a shock for everyone." he smiled slightly.  "Maybe if I'm lucky, I can get back in time for my own funeral.  I've always wanted to say, "the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated!"

Twilight's mouth fell open.  "That's... that's awful!  Why would you want to say something like that?"

Johnathon blinked.  "Oh... sorry, I should have mentioned.  It's a quote from a famous book in my world.  This boy, in the story, is lost in a cave for a long time, and his family and friends think he's died... so when he finally gets back to his home, he finds everyone at his funeral."  Johnathon shrugged.  "It was a good story.... famous author.  Most everyone on my world knows the quote, or at least a good number."

Twilight blushed.  "Oh.  That makes much more sense."

Johnathon laughed.  "Well, it's not like I planned on faking my own death just so I could show up at my own funeral!  It's just... if I do get back... that would be... kinda cool to get there right then, you know?"

Twilight thought about that.  "Well... at the least, it'd be really surprising!"

They were coming up the long dirt road to the Apple farm, and Johnathon could see a "Welcome to Equestria!" sign up above the barn doors.  "Alright... guess it's time to face the music." he said, grinning slightly at himself, knowing that, unfortunately, he was probably the only one going to laugh at most of his own jokes.

Applejack threw the barn door wide, and they went in.  Streamers, ribbons and balloons decorated the beams and rafters of the barn.  Fresh, clean hay covered the floor, and several tables were set up with food, including a large cake.  What appeared to be a wind up phonograph sat on one table, complete with stacks of records.

A dozen ponies waved excitedly as they entered, and at some hidden signal, all shouted "Welcome to Equestra!" as a group.

Johnathon smiled politely and walked up to the group.  "Well, thanks, everypony.  I do feel welcome." he glanced at a third table, behind the group, where a number of gaily wrapped packages rested.  He blinked.  "Presents too?  You shouldn't have!"

Pinkie hopped up to him.  "Don't be silly, Johnathon!  Of course you get presents!  It's a welcome to Equestria party, after all, and since it's your first party in Equestria, it's kind of like your birthday, and you always get presents on your birthday!" she paused for half a second in thought.  "Unless you don't where you come from.  Do you have birthdays on your world?  Do they have parties on your world?  Wait... of course they have parties, because you didn't want a big party, so you had to know what parties are, right?"

Johnathon laughed and broke in before she rambled on.   "Yes, we have birthday parties with presents, Pinkie.  Thank you for going to all the trouble." he looked around at the assembled guests.  "Thank you all for coming."

As Pinkie had promised, it was almost all ponies he recognized.  There was only one noticeable exception, what appeared to be a pony sized Zebra, wearing a significant amount of gold jewelry, standing in the back and looking at him with a certain calm curiosity.

Rainbow Dash was moving up to join him and Pinkie, while Fluttershy waved shyly at him from behind her, Applebloom, and her two young friends were crowding around, grinning at him, and behind the three fillies, Big Macintosh loomed, slightly protectively, although his gentle smile told Johnathon that it was more for the protection of the human than for the fillies.  Spike was standing next to the White unicorn with the dark blue mane, who was standing back, smiling genially at him from a distance, and there was even purple pony with the light purple mane and the flowers on her flank that had helped him with his translations the earlier night.

Johnathon smiled and waved at her.  "I'm sorry... I never really caught your name the other night, what with no translation spell." he apologized.  "But thank you so much for all your help."

The purple pony walked up to join the others crowding around him.  "It's Cheerilee, and I was happy to help.  I appreciated your desire to record your own language." she ducked her head slightly, as if embarrassed.  "I'll admit, when the Crusaders came to me for help, I was a bit nervous about meeting you, but I'm glad I did.  I appreciate meeting a pony... um... a human of learning."

Johnathon chuckled.  "Well, I suppose that's a fair enough description.  I have had more than my share of schooling in my life.  More than most, anyway.  I've been in and out of schools, and universities most of my life, really.  I love the academic setting."

Cheerilee beamed at him.  "Oh, that does sound lovely!  Have you many universities on your world, then?"

Johnathon nodded.  "Many.  I myself have studied at three different universities, a college, and I was in and out of quite a few different institutes of education while I was growing up."

Cheerilee looked curious.  "Is is common to go to so many different schools?"

Johnathon shook his head.  "No... not really.  Most... er... humans in my society only go to... um... four or five... a grade school, a junior high, a high school, and a college or university.  I went to... hmm... three grade schools and three different high schools as well as all the universities I've been too."

Cheerilee blinked.  "Why is that?"

He shrugged.  "The normal reason... for that sort of thing, anyway.  My family moved around a lot when I was a child."

Cheerilee smiled and nodded.  "I see." she looked curious.  "So, how many years do humans typically go to school in your world then?"

Johnathon thought about that.  "Well... in my society in particular, just about everyone goes to school from the ages of five to eighteen.  College is optional, although it's pretty common for most people to go a college or university for at least two to four years.  I had a rather longer run at it, as I went back for more education later in life, after I'd been out of school a bit, and decided I wanted more."

Cheerilee smiled.  "Well, we do have a number of universities in Equestria, but most ponies only go to school for around ten years." she smiled.  "I happen to run the school here in Ponyville.  I do think that we could use a more extended educational system, especially for ponies that show promise, but we are a bit behind the times here.  Canterlot has several lovely universities though."

"Ah, so you are their teacher!" he nodded down at the three younger fillies.  "I thought as much."

Applebloom spoke up loudly from below.  "Miss Cheerilee is the best teacher, ever!" this statement was met with enthusiastic agreement from her two friends.

Johnathon glanced at Twilight.  "I suppose you've been to a magical university of some sort?" he asked her curiously.

Twilight hesitated.  "Actually, I was in a magical school for fillies when I was quite young, but Princess Celestia took over my education after that...." she blushed.  "I had a number of tutors, but I was privileged enough to have the Princess herself teach me most of my magical theory."

Johnathon's eyes were wide.  "Alright... I admit I didn't expect that.  You really are her protege!"

Twilight started to shake her head, but Applejack nudged her.  "Now don't you go getting all embarrassed or try denying it.  You're the most magical unicorn in Equestria, and we all know it, Sugar Cube."

As the conversations whirled around him, Johnathon headed over toward the large red stallion, who was looking almost as out of place as he himself did.  "Hey." he said simply, not really certain how to begin.  "So... are you alright?  You know, after..." he shrugged.  "I'm sorry about all that... when we first met.  I don't like hurting any... anypony if I can help it."

Big Macintosh shrugged.  "I'm alright.  How'er you do'in?"

Johnathon rotated his right shoulder, testing its range of motion.  "Just a bit of a twinge by now." he told the big red stallion honestly.  "Although it's been quite a while since I've taken a hit like that."

Big Mac grinned.  "Me too."

The archeologist grinned back, then sobered.  "So, are we good?" he asked the big pony seriously.

Big Macintosh considered the question with with a grave expression before answering.  "Eeyup."  He agreed finally.

In the background, music started to play, and Johnathon glanced over to see Pinkie prancing happily away from the phonograph.  The music wasn't familiar, but it was a fun, jouncy beat, and not unpleasant at all to listen to.

Rainbow Dash flapped her way over the small crowd, flying almost effortlessly, till she was just above Big Mac and Johnathon.  "So, going to dance with us, Big Macintosh?  I think Fluttershy's been wanting to ask you to dance!" the red stallion blinked, then glanced over at the sky yellow pegasus, who did in fact seem to be looking their way.

He glanced back at Rainbow Dash, grinned slightly, and nodded.  "Eeyup."

Johnathon grinned at the cyan pegasus.  "So... care to introduce me to some of your other friends?  I don't really know everyone by name yet."

Rainbow Dash blinked.  "Oh really?  Who don't you know yet?" she blinked, glancing toward the Zebra.  "Oh sure, I guess you haven't met Zecora yet!" she started fluttering easily in that direction.  The  Zebra seemed to be chatting pleasantly with Twilight, and they both turned to greet them.

"I bid you welcome to our world, my strange traveler from another fold."  The small Zebra said in a distinct rhyming pattern.  "I understand, just like you, what it is to be the one who is new."

Johnathon blinked, then smiled.  "Well, nice to meet you, Zecora, is it?"

The Zebra nodded pleasantly.  "That is my name, it is no joke.   How do you find these pony folk?"

He smiled and shrugged.  "Everyone has been very hospitable, not including the scare I seem to have caused on my arrival.  Still, I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome, once we were able to actually communicate."

Zecora nodded.  "The ponies here have learned quite well not to judge before hearing the tale."

Johnathon and Zecora chatted for awhile, sharing their surprisingly similar introductions to pony society.  Still, a few things stood out.

"Poison Joke?" he blinked, glancing at Twilight.  "A plant that makes magical curses... ones that are like jokes?"

Twilight grimaced.  "WEIRD jokes... my horn got..." she shuddered.  "OK, that one wasn't that funny.  Anyway... Rainbow Dash started... crashing into everything... and I found out later that her nickname in flight school was actually Crash... and Fluttershy's voice got really deep... like a guy... and Applejack shrank till she was about six inches tall... so she was an Appletini..." she giggled slightly at that one, and shook her head.  "I still don't know how the poison joke could come up with magical jokes based on our names... or personalities like that, but apparently, that is how it works."

Johnathon nodded thoughtfully.  "Well... perhaps it's like your translation spell.  It seems to... know things that it shouldn't... unless it's able to tap into some sort of collective unconscious.  Maybe those poison joke flowers are like that?"

Twilight blinked.  "Actually, that's a really good theory!  I wonder if it would be possible to test that somehow?"

Rainbow Dash shuddered.  "Just so long as you keep that Poison Joke stuff far away from me.  I crash enough WITHOUT it's help, thank you!" she blushed.  "Er... you know, because I'm always doing really super crazy stunts... that are super dangerous, not because I'm not the best flier in Ponyville...."

Johnathon grinned.  "I believe that." he told her honestly.  "I have never... never met anyone or anything who seems as comfortable in the air as you seem to be." he gestured up at her, still hovering easily in mid air.  "I mean... I have absolutely NO idea how you do it, but it's obvious that you're a great flier, at least." he stared at her.  "Actually, how ARE you doing that?  You're barely flapping... how are you staying airborne?"

Rainbow Dash blinked.  "Um... what do you mean?"

Twilight Sparkle glanced at him.  "Oh, do you mean that pegasus ponies have smaller wing spans and seem to need less effort for greater speeds than birds do?" she nodded.  "I understand why you're confused.  It's part of their magic.  Pegasus ponies have a lot of different magical abilities inherently... like walking on clouds, and manipulating weather."

Johnathon shook his head.  "That's... actually really cool.  I mean... it must be great to fly, but to have magical powers that make flying, and living in the sky easier?  That's pretty awesome."

Rainbow Dash grinned.  "If you think THAT's awesome, you haven't seen anything yet!  Wait till you see me in action!"

Johnathon grinned back.  "I'd really love that... really.  Actually, I've been hoping to get a better look at that cloud house of yours too, sometime, if it's alright.  We don't have cloud buildings in my world... no magic, you know?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged non-nonchalantly.  "Sure... that'd be cool sometime.  Whatever."

Johnathon snapped his fingers.  "Oh yeah!  I remember.  Fluttershy told me you won the... what was it?  Best young flyer competition in Cloudsdale... doing something she called a Sonic Rainboom?"  he nodded.  "I have no idea was that is, but if it's as cool as it sounds, I'd love to see you do one sometime."

Rainbow Dash grinned broadly.  "Well, did you know, I'm the only Pegasus to EVER pull one off?  I've actually done two!"

Johnathon blinked.  "Er... I guess they're really difficult then?"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.  "You have NO idea.  I mean, even I have real trouble getting up enough speed to do it, and I have to be heading downward... no other way to get enough velocity to break through that final barrier."

Johnathon blinked.  "Barrier?  Does it involve punching through a wall or something?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head.  "No... but that would be kind of cool.  I mean... if I was going real fast... and reached the right speed for a Sonic Rainboom right as I hit a wall or something... I'd go... BOOM!!! And blow right through it, I bet!"

Twilight looked dubious.  "You'd probably knock a whole building down if you tried that... assuming you didn't kill yourself."

Rainbow Dash's eyes were sparkling.  "Do you think I could really knock a whole building down like that?" she started flapping away, looking awestruck.  "Wow... that would be soooo awesome!" she fluttered over to the orange earth pony.  "Hey Applejack!  I've got this GREAT idea for a stunt!  Wanna hear?"

Twilight grinned at Johnathon. "Rainbow Dash really is an incredible flyer.  When I first arrived in Ponyville, she was practicing some of her moves, and I was a bit cross with her, because she was apparently supposed to be in charge of clearing the cloud cover overhead for Princess Celestia's visit... and there were clouds everywhere still." she shook her head.  "But when I asked her why she hadn't gotten started, she told me she could clear out the clouds in ten seconds flat.  I didn't believe her... but.... well, she did it, just like she said."

Johnathon blinked.  "The... cloud cover?"

Twilight Sparkled nodded.  "She cleared out every cloud over Ponyville in ten seconds.  Trust me, she's amazing."

Johnathon shook his head, as if trying to get used to the idea.  "I guess I'll just have to see for myself." he looked at Twilight.  "So... what IS a Sonic Rainboom, anyway?"

Twilight grinned.  "Well, apparently, when Rainbow Dash gets going fast enough, she creates what they call a "Sonic Boom" where she breaks the sound barrier, and she leaves creates this big rainbow colored explosion behind... and leaves a rainbow trail...."

Johnathon blinked.  "Breaks the... sound barrier?"

Twilight nodded.  "Yup." she raised an eyebrow.  "Oh, that's the speed sound travels though the atmosphere...."

Johnathon nodded.  "Yes, I know what the sound barrier is." he shook his head.  "That's not the trouble I'm having.  You mean... Rainbow Dash can fly faster than the speed of sound?" his voice was flat, and his eyes were incredulous.

Twilight giggled.  "I think you really will have to see it for yourself."

He shook his head.  "I mean... OK, magic.  I've seen you teleport... and some other really incredible things... and you say that Pegasi have magical abilities related to flying, but... the speed of sound?  Thats....."

Twilight nodded.  "I know... it's a little hard to believe." she shrugged.  "Actually, almost nopony else believed it either, till they saw her do it.  I mean... nopony HAD ever done it, aside from Rainbow Dash herself, during flight school."

Johnathon blinked.  "So... she really is the fastest pegasus in all of Equestria."

Twilight nodded solemnly.  "She really is."

The archeologist struggled with the concept of a pegasus... or any winged life form actually exceeding the speed of sound by muscle power alone, then thought about how incredibly effortless it seemed for Rainbow Dash to hover.  "Magic." he finally said.  "Can I take it that birds can't fly anywhere near as fast as a pegasus?"

Twilight Sparkle thought about that.  "Well... I've never seen a bird anywhere near as fast as Rainbow... but most pegasi aren't anywhere near as fast as she is.  I don't think all of them can enhance their flying abilities that much."

Johnathon opened his mouth, then simply shook his head.  "You know what?  I'm going to choose to believe it.  I still want to see it, but I'm not going to disbelieve everything just because it doesn't fit into my concept of reality all that well.  Magic obviously breaks a lot of the rules I'm used to."

Twilight grinned.  "If it helps, I understand what you're going through.  Some of my friends can do things that even I can't understand, and I'm supposed to be an expert on magic.  But just because I don't understand how they can do those things, doesn't mean that I don't believe in them.  At least, not any more."

Johnathon looked curious.  "What sort of things can your friends do that are so hard to understand?" he grinned.  "I mean, aside from being able to fly faster than the speed of sound, or walk on clouds?"

Twilight glanced from side to side, looking slightly reluctant, before moving in close.  "Pinkie Pie... can predict the future." she admitted, almost guiltily.  At the man's incredulous look, she tried to explain.  "I mean... not everything... just vague things, like... she always knows when something is going to fall... or if someone is going to get hurt because of a door...."

Johnathon blinked.  "Er...." he shrugged helplessly.  "Yeah, that's going to go under the category of "I'll believe it when I see it." I'm afraid."

Twilight grinned at him.  "I followed her around for almost a whole day once, trying to document it." she shrugged.  "I'd say, trust me, it works... but I wouldn't have trusted somepony else about something like that.  You'll just have to see it for yourself, I guess." she hesitated.  "But if Pinkie's tail starts twitching... well, be prepared to dodge falling objects, is all I'm saying."

The archeologist started to protest, then shrugged.  "Fine.  If a pink tail twitches a lot, I'll check the sky.  Guess it can't hurt."

Across the barn, Pinkie Pie was encouraging everyone to try the cake, so Johnathon walked over to try a piece himself.  "Thanks Pinkie." he said with a smile and a nod.  "You don't disappoint, this is the best party I've been to in a long time.  I appreciate that you restrained yourself.  Everyone here seems really nice, and I don't feel like an exhibit in the zoo, so I really can't complain."

Taking a slice of cake, he tried it.  "Mmm..."  Johnathon grinned at her.  "And good cake."

Pinkie's grin nearly split her face.  "I'm glad you like it!  Your first party in Equestria should be special, right?"

He inclined his head to her.  "I bow to the mistress of parties, Pinkie.  You do do them well."

Pinkie's eyes twinkled.  "Oh!  Can I use that?  Mistress of Parties!  I like the sound of that!"

Applebloom and her two friends were crowding around again, anxious for some cake, apparently, now that it was being served.  "Hey Johnathon!"  Applebloom greeted him cheerfully.  "Are you having a good time?"

The middle aged man nodded, squatting down a bit to be closer to eye level with the filly.  "I am.  Thanks for helping out with the party, Applebloom, and with everything else the other night too.  Those primers were a really great idea.  Thanks for getting them, AND Miss Cheerilee."

Applebloom shrugged, looking a bit shy.  "Aw, it weren't nothing." the white unicorn filly behind her nudged her, and she brightened.  "Oh yeah!  I know you've met them and all, but you couldn't understand nothing we were saying at the time, right?  I wanted to introduce my friends to you, nice and proper-like."

Johnathon nodded, turning slightly to face the two small fillies just behind Applebloom.  "Well, hello there, then.  Applebloom has probably mentioned this, but my name's Johnathon Dwire." he smiled gently.  "What are your names?"

The white unicorn filly peeked out.  "I'm Sweetie Bell!" she announced shyly.  "Rarity is my big sister!"

Johnathon hesitated.  "Actually, I don't believe I've really met your big sister yet.  Is she..." he glanced around, and noticed the other, older white unicorn with the dark blue mane standing over by the punch bowl, laughing politely at something Zecora was saying.  "Is that your big sister, then?"

Sweetie Bell followed her gaze, then nodded.  "That's her!  My big sister is the best fashion designer in all of Equestria!"  She bragged proudly.

Johnathon widened his eyes on purpose, slightly exaggerating his reaction.  "Wow!" he told her, sounding impressed.  "That's really cool." he glanced at her.  "So... do you want to be like your big sister when you grow up?"

Sweetie Bell thought about that.  "I'm not sure.  It WOULD be kind of neat to be able to make beautiful dresses, and meet all the important ponies... but big sis never lets me help her in the studio."

Johnathon smiled gently.  "Well, I'm sure she means well, but I expect that fashion designing is a very difficult job, and doing that and teaching at the same time might be a little tough for her.  Still, maybe you can learn enough to be able to help her when you get a little older."

Sweetie Bell sighed.  "That's what Rarity says too.  But I don't want to wait till I'm older."

Johnathon nodded sympathetically.  "It's no fun to wait, is it?" he sat on the floor, to rest his legs from the squatting, and the three little fillies sat around him.  "So... what's your name?" he asked the little orange pegasus.

"I'm Scootaloo." she said shyly, then beamed.  "And I'm going to be just like Rainbow Dash when I grow up!"

Johnathon nodded agreeably.  "Rainbow Dash IS pretty awesome, huh?"

Scootaloo nodded fervently.  "She's my hero!"

Johnathon smiled.  "Well, you could do far worse." he made a gesture to indicate all three of the young fillies.  "So, how did you three become friends, can I ask?"

Applebloom nodded quickly.  "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" she exclaimed.  "And we're all crusading for our cutie marks!"

Johnathon blinked.  "Um... what does that mean?  What's a cutie mark?"

Applebloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo all looked at him with wide eyes.  "You're kidding me!"  Scootaloo exclaimed.  "You don't know what a cutie mark is?"

The archeologist shook his head and shrugged.  "Nope.  Never heard of them.  But I'm not exactly from around here, you know."

Applebloom nodded.  "I guess they don't have cutie marks where you come from?  Or maybe the call them something else?"

Johnathon wrinkled his nose.  "Er... maybe?  What is a cutie mark anyway?"

Sweetie Bell piped up.  "It's the mark you get on your flank when you figure out who you are!" she explained.

"And what you're best at!"  Scootaloo continued.

"Everypony gets one."  Applebloom continued.  "When they've discovered what makes them special!"

Johnathon raised an eyebrow.  "Oh, you mean, like the tattoos everypony has on their flanks?" he glanced around at the adult ponies all around them, some of whom were listening indulgently, most of which were simply enjoying the party, and nodded at Applejack.  "Like... your big sister has three apples, and Big Mac has one big apple?"

Applebloom frowned.  "No... they're not tattoos..."

The archeologist blinked.  "No?  I guess I never really looked at one closely.  But those marks that every... er... everypony has... well, every adult pony, I guess, those are cutie marks?"

Applebloom nodded again.  "That's right!" she sighed.  "Everyone except us.  Everyone else in my class already has theirs."

Johnathon looked curious.  "So... if they're not tattoos, how do you get them?"

Applebloom tried to explain.  "Well... when you figure out what your special talent is, they just kind of... appear."

The archeologist blinked.  "Oh... you mean, poof!  Like magic?"

Applebloom nodded again.  "That's right!  And then you'll know that what you are meant to do!"

Johnathon looked surprised.  "You mean, one day, you'll be doing something... and find out you're good at it, and a picture just appears on your flanks?  And that's how you know what you're best at?"

Applebloom nodded again.  "Yup!"

The man shook his head.  "That's... different." he said, compromising with what he had originally intended to say.  "And whatever picture appears, that's what you end up doing with your life?"

Applebloom looked thoughtful.  "Well... sorta.  I mean... when my Big sister Applejack got her cutie mark, she knew it was time to head back home and become the best apple farmer she could be... so that's what she did."

Sweetie Bell spoke up.  "When my big sister Rarity got her cutie mark, she figured out she had a special talent for finding gems!  But she's not a gem collector pony, she's a fashion designer!" she looked thoughtful.  "Although she does use a lot of gemstones in her dresses, I guess."

Johnathon blinked.  "Huh.  Weird. he glanced over at Pinkie Pie's flank, trying not to be too conspicuously staring..  "OK... balloons.  That makes sense, since Pinkie seems to love parties so much...." he looked thoughtful.  "And Rainbow Dash has that... rainbow lightning bolt thing... so... I guess, speed?" he thought.  "I wonder what Fluttershy's three butterflies stand for?"

Scootaloo grinned.  "That's because she's really good with animals!  And the butterflies do like her a lot."

Johnathon nodded.  "Huh.  And Twilight has... sort of... stars?  I wonder what that means?"

Twilight coughed.  "Well, it means that my talent is magic, actually." she said from just behind him.  "Hello girls.  Having a good time?"

Johnathon flinched guiltily.  "Oh, sorry... I was just curious about the... cutie marks you and every pony seems to have.  The girls were just explaining them to me."

Twilight smiled and shook her head.  "That's alright.  I hope they haven't been giving you the wrong idea.  They seem to have some... strange ideas about how to go about getting their cutie marks sometimes."

"What do you mean, strange ideas?"  Applebloom protested.  "We try all sorts of different things, so we can figure out which one is our special talent!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow.  "Yes... but have you ever thought of... I don't know, doing things you like to do... or already are good at?"

The girls exchanged dubious glances.  "But that's BORING!" they said together.

Applebloom turned to the human in their midst.  "So, Johnathon, do humans have special talents?"

Johnathon Dwire blinked.  "Well... we don't get... pictures appearing on our bodies magically, but I suppose we do all have something we're good at."

Sweetie Bell looked at him curiously.  "What's YOUR special talent, Johnathon?"

The middle aged archeologist froze, his mind racing, and his face going blank.  "Er... well, I'm better than average at... a few different things, I guess." he said slowly.

"Like what?"  Applebloom asked, curious as well now.

Johnathon hesitated again.  "Well... I can read really fast, for one."

Twilight looked interested at that.  "Oh?  How fast do you read, Johnathon?"

He frowned.  "Well... I can push it up to about two thousand words a minute... but I know people who are as fast... some who are faster."

Twilight's eyes were wide.  "That sounds really fast!  Are you sure that's not your special talent?"

Johnathon frowned, and he hesitated before answering.  "Well... maybe.  Like I said, I've known people who were faster than I am at that."

Applebloom spoke up.  "You said you are good at a few things?  What else are you really good at?"

Johnathon was looking more reluctant now.  "Well... I'm good with... er... spacial relationships, I guess."

Applebloom blinked.  "What does that mean?"

He looked thoughtful.  "Well, it's knowing where objects are in space.  I'm pretty good with mechanical devices as well... putting them together, and that sort of thing."

Applebloom nodded.  "Sure... like a mechanic pony!"

Johnathon shrugged.  "Well, pretty good.  It's not like they call to me or anything, I just have a bit of a talent toward them."  He frowned.  "But, it's not really something I'm the best at... there are lots of people who are better with machines than I am."

Scootaloo spoke up.  "Is there anything else?  Something that nopony but you can do?  Something you're the very best at?"

Johnathon didn't speak, then shook his head.  "Er..." he abruptly stood.  "Hey!" he said abruptly.  "Who want's to check out what presents I got!"

Twilight stood with him, as the Crusaders surged toward the pile of gifts.  "Why did you change the subject, Johnathon?" she asked quietly.  "It seems like the subject bothered you... but I don't know why."

Johnathon sighed.  "I... well, I do have something I've always been the best at... but it's not something... it's not really a talent I use or need.  Or at least, it's not something I'd want to do with my life."

Twilight shook her head.  "I don't understand." she hesitated.  "If you don't want to talk about it, that's alright."

Johnathon sighed.  "No... well, I don't really, but I... I want to be honest with you, when I can."

Twilight nodded again, and led him away from the majority of the others.  Off in the middle of the room, Pinkie Pie was standing guard over the presents, growling and making scary faces at the Crusaders, who were all trying to grab presents.

Johnathon shook his head slightly in amusement, then turned to Twilight.  "Well... it's, it's not like it's horrible... not really, it's just... well, like I said, I can think of a lot of other talents I'd have preferred, if I had a choice."

Twilight nodded.  "So... you do have something you're better than any pony at?"

Johnathon nodded again.  "I've met people almost as good... but better?  Not yet." he sighed.  "I guess you could say, my greatest talent is tactics... combat tactics."

Twilight blinked.   "Oh!" she frowned.  "Oh... and you don't like fighting."

Johnathon sighed.  "I really don't.  At least... I don't like HURTING anyone... anypony.  I really don't like causing harm, but... a large part of me does like to fight.  To win.  I like the adrenaline of competition... and defeating an opponent... well, it feels, good." he sighed.  "And that's never seemed like a really respectable thing to feel."

Twilight frowned slightly.  "Johnathon, I... I understand why it bothers you, but... I don't think that makes you a bad pony... er... human, or anything.  I mean... a pony is only as good as the choices they make, right?"

Johnathon nods.  "Well, yeah.  I know that... and I chose, long ago, to do as little harm as possible.  And actually, my talent has helped me with that, as I told you." he shrugged.  "It's just... if I'd gone into the military... or the police, or, I don't know, someplace where I could really use my talent, I probably would have excelled.  And while I can't complain about how my life has gone, it's kind of like I've been doing things I'm only kind of good at, and I could have been doing more." he shrugged.  "But any of the jobs that included me using my talent for combat, well... I don't have the stomach for them.  Even a police officer has to hurt people sometimes.  It's part of the job."

Twilight nodded thoughtfully.  "Well... I suppose in your culture, your talent would be valuable.  I guess I'm just glad that you're not the sort of... of human that likes hurting otherponies..."

He grinned.  "I used to play a lot of tactical war games, and I was pretty much undefeated.  I might have gone professional... but well, you can't play games for a living...." he frowned.  "Actually, some people do, but my folks, especially my dad, REALLY didn't approve of my hobbies... so I gave it up, aside from as a hobby."  Johnathon shrugged.  "But while I'm just about the best I know at games involving tactics, I'm even better at the real thing.  The more real the situation, the better I can adapt to it."

Twilight blinked.  "Huh.  Maybe that's why you're adapting to life here so easily?"

Johnathon raised an eyebrow.  "I am?  It seems to be taking me a long time... there are so many things I don't understand."

Twilight shook her head.  "I mean the way nothing seems to phase you.  I think, if I entered a world full of magic... and creatures that I didn't know existed, I wouldn't deal with it half so easily."

He shrugged.  "I just... well, what's the point in denying the evidence of my eyes?  I trust my senses, I always have.  Freaking out is a waste of time."  Johnathon grinned.  "So I don't do it... well, that's not quite true.  I admit, I am better than average at handling extreme situations.  I keep my head, and think pretty well during a crisis.  Still, when the crisis is past, well, I shut down for awhile.  After I got away from the Apple farm... and I got into town and realized that I had just... well, pretty much assaulted the intelligent natives of an alien world....?  Well, I suddenly knew that running wasn't going to help anymore, and I kind of let myself collapse.  After that, I was... broken for awhile, I guess." he smiled faintly.  "Being able to rest at Fluttershy's place... it helped me a lot.  I needed the down time to recover."

Twilight smiled softly.  "Well, I can't blame you.  I still think you've been handling all the changes pretty well."

The music stopped, and Pinkie Pie spoke up so that everypony could hear her.  "OK!  Who wants Johnathon to open his presents!"  There was a general cheer of approval, and Johnathon found Twilight pushing him forward, her head shoving into the small of his back so that he found himself in the center of the barn, in front of the table full of presents before he knew it.

"Er..." he nodded and waved, looking a little embarrassed to be the center of attention.  "Hi, everypony."

Pinkie grabbed a package by her teeth and pushed it into his stomach, where he grabbed it.  "Here!  Open it!" she said enthusiastically.

Johnathon shrugged, and tore at the wrapping paper, wondering, with the side of his brain that wasn't busy with the unwrapping, at the large number of cultural similarities he kept noticing between Equestria and Earth.  It was no longer the differences that kept surprising him, but all the things that they had in common.  Inside the package lay what appeared to be a complicated belt of some sort... he pulled it out.

"Oh, hey!  A tool belt!" he said with a surprised grin.  "This is great!" he tried it on, and was surprised to find that it fit across his hips rather well, the wide belt supporting itself comfortably.  "Now all I need is some tools." he said thoughtfully.

Pinkie grinned, and grabbed another package, shoving it into his arms.  "That's why you should open THIS one next!" she told him with a pleased expression.

The package was heavy, and... rattled.  Inside the paper, a rough wooden box held several tools.  A hammer, a couple screwdrivers, a wrench, and, for some reason, a neat coil of rope.  He checked, and found that the tools all fit on the belt neatly, and there was even a place to hang the rope off of.  There was also a couple empty pockets that would probably be good for holding nails or other odds and ends as well.

Johnathon put everything in it's place, and grinned.  "Wow... this is fantastic!  Thanks!" he didn't want to mention that he had never owned a tool belt before, nor owned tools, having always been one to borrow them from others.  His wife had owned several nice sets of tools, and he himself was quite proficient with them, but for some reason, he had never thought to get his own.  Still, it was a thoughtful gift.  He glanced at Applejack.  "Let me guess, the rope was your idea?"

Applejack grinned.  "Well, you never know when a bit of rope might come in handy, right?"

He grinned.  "I can't disagree with that."

The white unicorn that Sweetie Bell had identified as her older sister, Rarity, stepped up to the table next.  "I believe it's my turn." she said with a bit of a smile.  "I had a lot of help with these gifts, Mr. Dwire, so please do not assume that these are mine alone, but I would like to present them to you properly..." her horn glowed, and the room seemed to grow darker.

Behind him, Twilght's voice came to his ears softly.  "Don't be nervous.  Rarity just likes to show off a little.  Just watch, and don't flinch or anything."

The archeologist frowned at the last warning.  Don't flinch?  Why would he flinch?

The white unicorn's horn glowed brighter, and one package after another started to float into the air... then approach him.  When the packages seemed to explode with light and shoot toward him at the last instant, he nearly did flinch away, but Twilight's warning helped him keep himself from jumping... that, and the fact that he sensed no real threat.

"The winter months are fast approaching."  Rarity's voice said calmly.  "And since humans need clothing to stay warm, or so I'm given to understand, I felt you could update your attire somewhat."  Johnathon felt... distinctly warmer, and realized he suddenly was wearing several new articles of clothing over his own.  He glanced down, noticing he had on a scarf, and what felt like a very comfortable sweater... he blinked, holding up his hands, which were encased in gloves made up of a very flexible, soft material that he couldn't identify.

He raised his hands toward his face, staring at the gloves in wonder.  "How... how did you get all this done?  I mean... I didn't..." he glanced at Applebloom with sudden understanding.  "Oh!  You had me trace my hand... but.. but still!" he turned his hands over, examining the gloves in wonder.  "These are fantastic.  You can't have ever made anything like them before...."  Johnathon turned to Rarity, shaking his head, even as the light faded and the room went back to normal.  "I'm really very impressed.  You... you seem to have done them perfectly."

Rarity gave a slight bow, dipping her horn to him.  "I will not lie, those... gloves... were very tricky.  I had poor Spike modeling my first half dozen attempts.  I've never worked with... fingers before." she beamed proudly.  "But I worked it out, and don't they simply look marvelous, darling?"

Johnathon shook his head in astonishment, then down at his new gloves again.  "They're wonderful, really.  You are very talented, Rarity." he looked at the material with a puzzled expression.  "They're quite comfortable, but... what are they made of?"  He ran a hand over the back of each glove, then touched the palms.  "They've got... what, three different materials in them?  Something very soft for the inside... and another material for the outside... no... four materials, since the palms seem to be... I don't know... flexible yet tougher still... and..." he ran a hand over the back side of one hand again.  "You reinforced over the back of my fingers?"  He made a fist, slightly alarmed by the realization that the tougher material would make a punch from him considerably more dangerous than normal.

Rarity nodded.  "Well, since you don't have hooves, I thought I might give you something similar... in case you need to... applebuck or... some other mundane task.  I did notice that your... they're called hands, correct? Your hands seem marvelously flexible, but looked a little bit fragile to me, darling."

He blinked.  "Applebuck?  You mean, you made them like this so I could... punch trees?"

Rarity blinked.  "Well, yes, darling.  Our dear Applejack did mention that you'd offered to help out around her farm, and when I heard that your poor hands were so delicate, I thought of JUST the thing to help!"

Johnathon simply didn't know what to say.  This... this unicorn, who he had never actually spoke to before, had created, from her imagination, a simple sketch, and the help of a baby dragon who, admittedly had fingers, although much different in proportion to his, had created something so... perfect?  He frowned just slightly, then hid it.  Part of him truly loved the gloves... but the reinforced sections over the backs of his fingers were entirely too convenient for punching.  They were weapons on his hands, more so then they might be on most people.  Still, it was true that every pony had hooves... and even Spike's hands were covered in tough scales.  In comparison, his hands must seem quite fragile.

He put his hands together, and bowed slightly.  "A truly wonderful gift." he took hold of the front of the sweater, and impulsively leaned his face down to rub his cheek against the material.  He had quite a bit of stubble on his chin now, but he could feel how soft the sweater was immediately.  "I love the sweater too... and the scarf!" he took one end and threw it over his shoulder.  "Very nice.  I'll be quite comfortable when the weather changes." he told her with a very pleased smile. "Thank you, most kindly, Rarity."

Rarity shook her head modestly.  "Oh, as I said earlier, darling, I had a great deal of help, especially from dear Applebloom.  She was the one who suggested the idea of your... gloves." she smiled. "What a darling concept.  Unfortunately, dear Spike doesn't seem to appreciate the idea.  He looks so handsome in them."

Spike looked a bit upset.  "I'd wear... anything for you, Rarity!" he protested.

Rarity sighed.  "Don't just say that, dear heart.  You said yourself, your scales serve you quite well as protection, and gloves get caught on your claws."

Spike frowned, looking a bit sad. "Oh yeah.  I did say that, didn't I?"

Applejack walked up to him, holding up a hoof to push up his hands for a better look.  "Well now, aren't these fancy?" she rapped his knuckles with her hoof smartly.  "I reckon you won't have to worry none about hurting them hands of yours now, if'n you were serious about helping out around the farm, eh?"

Johnathon hesitated.  "Oh... but wouldn't I damage them if I used them for farm work?  My gloves at home were always getting caught on nails, and pieces of wire off the fencing and that sort of thing.  They saved my skin, sure, but they do tend to get damaged quick."

Rarity covered her mouth with one hoof and laughed lightly.  "I wouldn't worry about THAT right away, my dear.  Dear Fluttershy was especially concerned about your hands being hurt, so she insisted that I make the material extra strong.  The inner lining is a combination silk and cotton, but the outer material is considerably stronger!  Wool mixed with the mane hair from a creature called a desert lion.  Very strong.  It was extremely difficult to work with, although I think you'll find them very difficult to damage.  The palms use a slightly higher ratio of the lion hair to wool... to be stronger, but still quite flexible, while the... the backs of the fingers have steel threads woven through them.  Unicorn make, from Canterlot!  They're often used for the joints of the armor worn by the imperial guard, so they're quite strong, and ductile if not quite as flexible as the rest."

Twilight Sparkle whistled.  "Mane hair from a desert lion?  It takes a diamond edge to cut those, Rarity!  Isn't that stuff really expensive?"

Rarity smiled and shook her head.  "Oh, a trifle.  Besides, dear Spike said that the Princess wanted to know if she could help with any of the presents, and dear Fluttershy suggested that the princess might be able to get the materials for these lovely gloves, and when Rainbow Dash offered to fly out to pick up the order, how could I refuse?"

Twilight looked at her assistant.  "Princess Celestia wanted to help?"

Spike shrugged.  "She sent a letter asking about Pinkie's party two days ago!  She said she would like to send a present, but she didn't really know what to send.  So I asked Rarity, who asked Fluttershy, who suggested...."

Twilight smiled.  "Well, that was nice of her." she glanced at Johnathon.  "Actually, I've been meaning to mention.  Princess Celestia told me that she'd be doubling my usual stipend, and I was to use some of it for what ever I need for my research, but the rest I should give to you for any expenses you might have while you're here, Johnathon."

The archeologist blinked.  "What?  Oh... I... I can't accept... I mean, I'll work for my keep.  I know I've been pretty much just laying about for the last few days, but...."

Twilight shook her head.  "Princess Celestia said, that since she was the one that left the portal to your world open for so long after Discord opened it the first time, that it is probably her fault it opened again.  She felt that if she had closed it right away all those years ago, it would not have left enough of a... magical residue to last all these years, and the portal wouldn't have opened to bring you through this time."

Johnathon blinked.  "But... she wasn't responsible... it's not like she created it in the first place, or even opened it this last time!"

Twilight shrugged.  "Well, I don't know what to tell you, Johnathon.  You can always give the money to charity if you aren't using it.  But you have just entered a new world.  The Princess also told me that she considers you an ambassador for your people.  If we do ever get a portal working, and you go back, she wants you to be able to say we treated you well."

Johnathon frowned.  "Twilight, I'd never say anything bad about you all... you're... well, you've all been exceedingly generous... and kind to me." he frowned.  "I don't know what to do with the money she's sending, but for now, I guess... I should pay the rest of you back for all the food I've eaten, and that sort of thing."

Applejack nodded, smiling.  "I wouldn't of asked, but it's a good thought, Mr. Dwire.  I'm sure Fluttershy's budget is getting a mite stretched with an extra critter to feed, not that she would say anything about it."

Fluttershy blushed.  "It's no trouble, really."

Johnathon shook his head.  "Perhaps, but honestly, I feel a tiny bit better being helped out by Princess Celestia than all of you.  I doubt doubling Twilight's salary is a hardship for her, after all."

He grinned at Applejack.  "Not that I have any intention of backing out of my offer to help at your farm.  I'd appreciate the chance to be helpful... and while I'm alright with animals, Fluttershy is so much better with them than I am, I don't think I could be of much help to her...."  He smiled kindly at the yellow pegasus.   "Besides cooking a meal or two, here and there, anyway."

Fluttershy smiled softly.  "I liked your omelets... they were unusual, but nice."

Johnathon glanced at Twilight.  "Well, in any case, whatever is left over after making sure that I'm not eating anypony out of house and home, you should feel free to use for your research.  Go nuts.  I figure, even if it is being used for something that will benefit me, it could well be useful for other things.  I mean... a new type of magic probably would be good for lots of things, right?"

Twilight nodded earnestly.  "I agree, although at the moment, I can barely imagine what might come of my research.  Still, I expect I'll learn quite a bit just from the attempt!"

Pinkie Pie broke in.  "So... don't we get to show Johnathon the rest of his presents?" she went to the table, where only two packages remained, a small one, about 8 inches long and wide, and a much larger package, sitting in the middle of the table.  She picked up the smaller one, and brought it to Johnathon to open.

Johnathon opened the wrapping, and found a blue box inside.  He opened the box, to find a folding razor, and a container with a tight lid.

He looked around curiously, pulling out the razor and unfolding it.  "Who thought to get me a razor?" he ran his gloved hands over his face, the stubble pulling slightly as he did.  "I mean, I've been needing a shave, but I didn't even mention it to anypony."

Fluttershy blushed.  "Well, I noticed you looking at yourself in the mirror, and touching your face... and I could tell that you apparently are used to shaving off the hair on your face.... so, I asked around for advice, and Nurse Redheart suggested that a razor that they use to prepare an area for surgery would probably work... and I got you some of the cream they use to make it slide over the skin easier, and not cut."

Johnathon smiled gently at her.   "That was very thoughtful, Fluttershy.  I was just going to let my beard grow out... but I do admit, I wouldn't mind being able to stay clean shaven.  I don't mind beards, but they do itch quite a bit growing in."

Twilight looked at his face with surprise.  "Oh my!  You are growing hair on your face!  I... er... I just thought you hadn't washed or something!"

Applejack chuckled.  "Haven't you seen a beard before, Twilight?  Lots of critters grow fur like that, don't ya know."

Twilight hesitated.  "Er... for some reason, I thought humans only had manes on top of their heads." she looked at Applejack.  "Of course I know what a beard is.  I gave Spike a mustache, remember?"

Johnathon chuckled.  "Well, most humans do only have hair on top of their heads, although older males, like me, can grow beards.  Most do shave.  I have worn a full beard before, but it's a bit easier without sometimes.  We don't really grow hair anywhere else... well, except in small amounts." he pulled back the sleeve of his new sweater, and the shirt underneath.  "If you look close, I have fine hairs on my arms... and a bit on my chest, but only a very light covering.  No enough to keep anyone warm in the winter, certainly." he pulled off his gloves, and started unwrapping his new scarf.  "Speaking of warm, I'm a bit too warm with all these clothes on.  But I will surely be grateful for them as it gets colder."

Twilight grinned.  "Well... it looks like my present is last." she levitated a package off the table.  "I heard that you liked to read fantasy stories... and this was one of MY favorite series..."  Johnathon took the package and unwrapped it, finding a dozen books tied together.  The title "Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone" was at the top.

Johnathon grinned and nodded.  "Oh, I love long series.  Thank you Twilight.  I wish I could show you some of the books from my world.  There are tons of great stories...." he shrugged.  "Well, maybe I can tell you all about them sometime.  I have quite a few of them in my head... not perfectly memorized, of course but enough to entertain, I would think." he shrugged.  "Perhaps I'll write some of them down, or what I can remember.  I wonder if the Princess would enjoy some stories from my world?"

Twilight smiled.  "I'm sure we all would, when you have some free time."

Pinkie Pie grinned and bounced up and down.  "How about now?  We've had food, and we've opened presents.... and I was going to suggest we play pin the tail on the pony next, but I bet nopony has heard stories from another world before!" she looked at Johnathon hesitantly.  "I mean... if that's OK with you?  We can still play pin the tail on the pony if you're not in the mood for story telling?"

Johnathon couldn't help but smile, feeling very happy all of a sudden.  "I'd be happy to tell a story from my world." he said with a nod, and he walked over to the now empty table of presents to lean against it as he thought of the right story to tell.  He wasn't sure why he was so happy at that moment... the presents had been wonderful, of course, and the ponies had all been so anxious to make sure he was having a good time... but it was just all hitting him all at once how very special these particular ponies were.  They were like a family... despite being from three... no, four, no, five different species, all these ponies genuinely liked each other, trusted each other... and now they were including him into their number.  They didn't have to.  They could have helped him and sent him on his way... given him a shack, or a barn... food and shelter, and left him alone, but instead, they had done their best to make him part of their lives.  That alone was the best gift he had ever received.

He settled down to tell the assembled ponies the story of Luke Skywalker, and the journey that turned a simple farmer into a hero... and had to keep himself from grinning himself silly.  I'm going to miss them.  He realized as he started to spin his yarn, the thought sobering him enough to concentrate on his tale.  I'm really going to miss them when I'm gone.