Adrian was slow to wake. He spent a moment in the strange fog that stands between the land of the slumbering and the world of the waking. As he passed through, various sensory reports began to flood his brain. There was some kind of hair or fur in his face. He was still in semi-formal dress. A strange, earthy scent flowed into him with each breath. He was laying on something soft. Not to mention the core of warmth he could feel on the front of his torso. Even with a muddled mind, he still realised that something was off.
He forced himself to remain calm as his mind cleared and his recent memories recollected at the forefront of his thoughts. The memories rushed through in an instant. Ruins. Castle. River. Serpent. Manticore. Zecora. Tea. Slumber. Awakening.
He opened his eyes to see that slightly familiar, monochromatic mane. The dim, early morning light spilling through the window above her bed served to illuminate her form enough for him to see. He had to resist the urge to jerk away as he realised the position he was in. Somehow, during his sleep, he had managed to roll over and curl about her form... Adrian spared a moment to internally curse the fact that her general build was vaguely dog-like. A particular cliché sprang to the forefront of his mind: old habits die hard.
Thankfully, his left arm wasn't under her neck. Thank God for small fortunes. That would have made it tediously difficult to rise without waking her. He moved incredibly slowly as he drew his form away from hers. Based on the very dim nature of the light entering through the window, he predicted that it was probably very early morning. Well, he hadn't been awake long before going back to sleep. He was actually surprised that he had slept as long as he had, all things considered.
Once he was on his feet and a few steps from the bed, Adrian performed the best action of the morning: stretching. As he stretched, his back released a few muffled pops. He hadn't slept curled up in quite some time. He was simply thankful that his back wasn't sore. That would have been just his luck; him having to walk through the forest with a sore back.
He spared a glance back at Zecora's slumbering figure. She looked so peaceful. She had been immensely kind to him. Why? The question truly bothered him. He could have been a monster waiting to strike for all she knew. Very few humans would have been as friendly with some alien being that came through and killed some massive predator without any natural or artificial weapons to speak of. Was she an anomaly or was this normal for her species? Blast it all! This place was proving to be a bloody enigma. Every single source of answers proved to instigate ever more questions. Ah, well. No sense in clinging to questions when there was little chance of an answer in the present moment. With that thought, he pondered what to do next.
He had memorised that route she took from the path to her home, so he could easily make the return trip alone. There was no sense in waiting around for her to wake up, and he certainly wasn't about to disturb the rest of such a kind hostess. His tread was silent as he moved across the room. He lifted on the door firmly before opening it. With the weight on the hinges reduced, it opened near silently. Adrian looked back at Zecora's sleeping form once more and whispered, "Thanks," before closing the door behind him.
He looked at the tree-home as he stepped away from it. Yep, the volume of that room far exceeded the volume of the tree. What a strange world. With that confirmation out of the way, Adrian started following the trail back to the path. As he stepped over roots, around undergrowth, and under branches, he pondered what the people back on earth would do if they had access to the physical law that allowed this open defiance of dimensional engineering. His mind skimmed over the various military, civil, and cultural benefits that could be derived from such a thing. The darker parts of his mind pondered how easy illicit operations would become. Illegal psychoactive drugs, torture spaces, bodies; all could be easily hidden. So many possibilities for an open mind...
He lost focus on the matter as the path came into sight. He increased his pace and made it onto the path without a hitch. Time to see this "Ponyville" place. With that thought, he began his noble trek beneath the boughs of the Everfree.
~~~
Adrian had to admit, if it weren't for the leafy foliage above his head, the sun would've roasted him by now. He'd been walking for a good half-hour or so, and, even with his sleeves rolled up and the patchwork shade gliding over his figure, he was still uncomfortably warm. He'd always bore a small degree of enmity for the sun. The only time he really enjoyed it was during the winters of his home state. Even then, only particularly chilly days served to give much relief.
Other than the stifling heat, not much had actually gone wrong throughout his journey. No monsters. No disasters. No accidents. Nothing untoward at all really. That's right! Adrian Lord always looks on the broight side o' loife. The internal joke made him chuckle aloud in spite of his heat induced discomfort. One must find joy where they may.
In all actuality, the Everfree was still a beautiful place in the day. The enchanting manner in which isolated sunbeams managed to pierce through the foliage. The barely perceptible breeze that would occasionally rustle the canopy above. The calls of the various birds he sometimes saw flitting through the branches. The chit-chattering of squirrels as they chased one another for reasons unfathomable to him. Adrian passively delighted in all of these things as he walked. The forest just seemed so very alive in a way that it could not be in the night.
Adrian quickly ceased admiring the Everfree as its edge finally came into view. As he approached it, he realised something unfortunate: he was about to lose his shade. He supposed that's what one gets for taking something for granted.
Adrian squinted for a brief moment as he stepped into the direct sunlight streaming from above. After a brief moment, his eyes adjusted and he took in the sight before him. Most of the nearby area was simple grassland, though he could spot what looked like the work of an agricultural society in the distance. Specifically, he could see what looked to be a few farms and maybe an orchard. Truthfully, it was difficult to tell from this distance.
Something in the periphery of his vision caught his attention. He turned his head to focus on it and raised an eyebrow as he spotted a relatively nearby cottage bordering the Everfree. Admittedly, it seemed rather... Earthen. More like a hobbit-hole than a true cottage. This did nothing to deter the smile that formed on Adrian's face. These were the first signs of civilisation he'd seen outside of ruins. Zecora's company had been nice, but a hermit does not a civilisation make. Not by definition, at least.
Adrian cautiously made his way towards the cottage. It was relatively close and sating his curiosity wouldn't cost too much time. As he drew nearer, more details became readily apparent. A small brook flowed beneath an arch near the cottage. This arch seemed to be part of a small path that led up to the somewhat small entrance. Birdhouses of varying design, colour, and build were scattered throughout the surface of the home and the surrounding area. He even spotted a few songbirds flitting about. What really caught his attention was the... Pegasus hovering above the ground while watering some suspended flowers. It bore a yellowish coat and pink mane-tail combo.
By this point, he was close enough to hear the gentle tune it was humming to itself. The tune was quite beautiful. His silent approach actually stalled as he slowed to take the sound in. Though he had been thinking of the being as an "it", he was now fairly certain "it" was a "she". Few males could hum in such fine soprano tones. And, though he had no evidence to say otherwise, the concept of a male being butter yellow and pink did not seem "correct".
Adrian was about to make his presence known, when the pegasus evidently decided that the angiosperms had been watered enough and turned around. She briefly gasped as her eyes quickly took in his large form before settling on his eyes. Quickly getting over the slight surprise, she formed a small smile before speaking, "Oh my. I've never seen an animal quite like you before."
Adrian couldn't help but give his left brow a slight raise. Evidently, she believed him to be a mere animal. This could be fun. He decided to briefly play along, for her surprise would no doubt be delicious.
She continued talking as she hovered about in a circle to inspect him. "You're a pretty big fellow, aren't you? Are you from the Everfree?" She finally landed in front of him and turned her head upward to look him in the face. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you okay? Your voice isn't hurt, is it?" She paused for a moment, "Can you understand me?"
She was absolutely adorable. Adrian had to actively resist the urge to snap her up and squeeze her against him. Strange. Zecora hadn't caused this kind of reaction in him. Then again, he had met Zecora after almost being mauled, killed, and eaten by an enormous, mythological predator straight from the nightmares of his ancestors. That would indeed serve to downplay any cute factor Zecora may have had.
Adrian returned his wandering focus to the expectant pegasus before him. He briefly considered continuing to play dumb before discarding the idea. He was already bored of this waiting game. The time was now. He formed a smile as he answered her questions in quick succession, "I suppose I am. That's where I came from, but it's not my home. I didn't want to. I'm a little warm but fine otherwise. My voice is fine. I can indeed understand you." It was only then that he noticed that a look of fear had entered her eyes. He started to stretch a hand towards her head.
She squeaked and leapt back the moment he moved. She blushed ferociously before attempting to hide her face behind her long mane. Only a single eye remained visible in the crack formed by the part in her mane.
Adrian immediately pondered how he had unduly intimidated her. His posture was relaxed. His smile hadn't bared his teeth. He hadn't made any sudden moves. The severity of her reaction seemed a smidgeon... Excessive. Were all of her kind like this, or was this just her reaction as an individual? Blast it all! Yet more questions that needed answering! Would they ever end?
Even through this internal rage, he still managed to pick up her now-muttered words. "O-oh... Oh my... Y-you're not an animal," she seemed to shrink in on herself further, "I-I'm sorry..."
Okay... Now he was definitely glad he hadn't prolonged his trick any more than he briefly had. She already seemed on the verge of tears. It was high time for some calming and reassurance. He wasn't certain how much more of this he could take without feeling like some monstrous villain.
Adrian's expression softened into a sincere, relaxed smile. He made certain to keep his voice gentle and steady as he spoke, "Don't worry, little one. No offense was meant nor taken. However, if you really want to apologise, you could start with your name."
Her posture relaxed the slightest bit and she started to lift her head again before apparently thinking better of it and stopping. "Fluttershy..." Her voice was still rather subdued, but at least she wasn't stuttering anymore.
"Fluttershy," Adrian let a very light laugh escape him, "What a fitting name." He crouched down to her level, to which she responded by lowering her head even more, before asking, "Would you like to know mine?"
She responded with a barely perceptible nod, yet still refused to meet his gaze.
Adrian wasn't having any of it. He extended his hand very slowly and, with a curled index finger, lifted her chin until her gaze met his own once more. "I'm Adrian. It's a pleasure to meet you, Fluttershy."
He withdrew his hand, yet her head remained lifted. Adrian couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction with this small progress.
She still seemed reserved even as she said, "That's a... Erm... A very nice name," a look of restrained curiosity formed across her features, "You mentioned that you weren't from the Everfree. If you don't mind telling me, where are you from, Mr. Adrian?"
Adrian couldn't help but lift an eyebrow. "Ah, don't bother with the honorifics. Adrian is fine." He paused very briefly to consider his answer. "To answer that question: I come from... A very different place. I don't think its name would mean anything to you."
Her eyes started to fall again, "Oh... I'm s-sorry I asked."
Adrian immediately backpedaled, "No, no, no. The question wasn't offensive. It's just... My species has explored much of the topography of our world, and we've never even encountered a trace of anything like the things I've seen here. I don't think I'm on my own world anymore. I'm not even certain I'm in the same reality."
She gave him a very uncertain look before saying, "Ummmm, I have some more questions for you, if you want to come inside and answer them, of course."
The invitation caught him off guard. He wanted to get to the town as soon as possible, but answering a few questions certainly couldn't hurt. This was a chance to finally get some answers for himself. Plus, she seemed nice enough. "If you're willing to answer mine, then I'll do the same with yours."
~~~
Her home was, in a word, cozy. Small living room. Basic furnishings. The ceiling was a bit low, but he didn't have to duck his head for much. The signs of her fondness for animals were as abundant within her home as they were without. Bags of feed laid against a small shelf. A few small birdhouses were strategically placed here and there. Even the beams of the place seemed to be designed to allow climbing creatures easier transit. As a side note, he mentally tucked away the fact that this building was stubbornly ignoring the rules of dimensional construction. Though he could not be certain, he suspected this would be a recurring theme in this strange world.
"Welcome to my home. I do hope you like it." She looked back at Adrian as he examined her quaint abode.
Adrian continued to take in the details of the place as he answered, "It's cozy. I see you have a fondness for animals."
She hopped onto a sofa-like object and gestured for him to sit beside her. "Oh, I simply love all of my animal friends. My cutie mark was born of my love for animals both big and small."
Adrian had been accepting the offered seat as she spoke. The moment the word "cutie mark" passed her tongue, he could have sworn he felt his eye twitch. "Okay, the first question is mine, as it is related to a something you just mentioned. What is a "cutie mark"?"
She looked surprised for a moment before schooling her features. "Well, a cutie mark is this symbol," at this point she gestured at the image of pink butterflies on her posterior, "that a pony gets when they find their natural talent."
Adrian simply nodded in acquiescence as he said, "Alright, next inquiry is yours."
She took a few moments to think before she simply asked, "What are you?"
Adrian had to admit that the question was a good one to start with. He was also impressed that she had hardened the nerve to voice such a question. Though, maybe questions like that weren't frowned upon here. Either way, he responded, "As you are a pony, I am a human."
A look of concern crossed her face, "I've never even heard of "human" before."
""Humans", and I'd be impressed if you had. My turn again. Is your timid nature indicative of your species or is it semi-unique to you as an individual?"
At this, the slightest blush crossed her features, as though her shyness itself was cause for embarrassment. "No, I'm considered a timid pony. Ponies have lots of different personalities."
"I suppose our species are alike in that regard." This world had its share of oddities, but it possessed disturbing similarities to his own.
"If you came from the Everfree, then where are you going?"
The questions snapped Adrian from his thoughts. "Oh, I was following a path. I've been trying to reach civilisation since awakening yesterday. I spotted your cottage after exiting the forest, and you pretty much know the rest."
She looked down at her hooves briefly before lifting her gaze to meet his own. "You said you didn't think you were from this world. Do you know how you got here?"
Adrian's smile shrank the slightest bit. "I wish I did. That's why I'm heading towards civilisation. Hopefully, I can figure out how I got here, if there is a reason for my presence, and, most importantly... If there is a way to return to my home." The fact that he had to say "if" terrified him. What if he never returned home?
Fluttershy seemed to note the dim spark of fear in his eyes, for a look of concern crossed her face. No pony could fake that kind of hidden worry. It was worry one didn't want another to see. She had doubted the sincerity of his claims, but those doubts were quashed. He was scared, alone, lost. "Oh my, you poor thing."
Adrian resisted the instinct to flinch as she wrapped her forelegs around his torso. She bore the scent of one who cares for animals, but the scent didn't carry the vile nature it sometimes did. It was actually somewhat reminiscent of a well-maintained petting zoo. Strange that his mind focused on her scent rather than the rather impromptu hug. His mind had always diverted his attention to mundane things when something awkward occurred. His mind passively noted that hugs were yet another cultural similarity his kind seemed to share with theirs.
However, Adrian did indeed flinch when something hard and round thumped against his lower back. Fluttershy released him and made an "Eep" of surprise at his sudden motion, and Adrian simultaneously whipped his head about.
Standing before him was a rabbit. Adrian stared into the rabbit's eyes with an expression of surprise and curiosity.
"Oh, Angel, it's you. Say hello to Adrian," Fluttershy said with a smile in her voice.
Angel took a hesitant move backwards as Adrian continued to stare at him. The rabbit seemed strangely uncomfortable beneath his gaze. To Adrian, it seemed the rabbit was trying to decide whether to stay still or bolt away.
Fluttershy seemed to notice that something was off with the rabbit. "Are you alright, Angel?"
Adrian turned his gaze back towards Fluttershy, and Angel immediately took the opportunity to rapidly hop away.
Fluttershy called after the rabbit, "Angel! Wait!" When the rabbit ignored her and continued out of the small building, a look of concern washed over her face. "Oh my. I don't know what got into him."
Adrian simply shrugged. The rabbit was probably simply afraid of something it had never encountered before. The rabbits of home were flighty creatures, stood to reason their analogue in this world would be as well.
He felt a tap on his leg and turned his attention from the rabbit's point of exit to Fluttershy. "You said you wanted to find a way to return home. I think I know somepony who can help you, if you want."
At this, Adrian's spirit rose. Any help would be nice. It wasn't like he knew what he was doing. "Who?"
Fluttershy smiled as she hopped off the couch-thing. "A friend of mine in Ponyville. She's so smart and well read. If anyone can help you, it would be her."
"Excellent. If you describe her to me, then I'll just be on my way."
Fluttershy laughed gently. "I think I'll take you to her instead, that is, if you don't mind my presence."
Adrian was stunned for a brief moment. This little creature intended to walk, or perhaps fly at walking speed, all the way to that town just to help him. He recovered and said, "Are you certain you want to go out of your way for me?"
Fluttershy only continued to smile as she donned some type of strange saddlebag sans-saddle. "I would love to help you. Plus, I do need to get fresh vegetables for some of the animals."
The fact that she had another objective in this trip served to placate his concerns. She was a kind soul, and he would hate to inconvenience her. Even if she was willing to be inconvenienced.
Adrian rose to his feet and followed Fluttershy as she exited her home.
~~~
Adrian admired the little town as he and his pegasus guide drew ever closer. Fluttershy had already told him much about the town, and the friend they were going to meet. They had chatted about his awakening and subsequent journey through the Everfree, but, now, all of his attention was reserved for the town and its surrounding fields and orchards. It seemed to have the design of an Old World hamlet. Even from this distance he could see the thatch roofing and painted wooden walls of the homes. They seemed small, but Adrian knew not to let that deceive him. Their interiors would likely be larger than their exteriors.
He saw the small, brightly-coloured forms of what he could safely assume were ponies. He couldn't really tell what any of them were doing, but the movement and life of the place were encouraging to him irregardless. All in all, it seemed like a sleepy, little, rural town where everyone knows everyone.
It didn't take long for the pair of them to make it into the town-proper. The buildings were spread out and seemingly built without a firm plan in mind. He could see a general pattern in the way most of the buildings faced, but the overall geometry of their layout seemed to vary.
Eventually the pair reached the market. Some of the business buildings bore signs telling of their wares, while others had been completely constructed with their product in mind. Various stalls were set up, and the largest concentration of the residents seemed to be moving through this area. This concentration served to produce a gentle chatter as ponies bought, sold, and shared pleasantries. Adrian passively noted that they used some type of golden coin for currency.
Adrian had noticed that a few of the residents stared at him as he and Fluttershy walked by. This was only compounded by the spike in the number around him. He even heard one pair whispering once he and his guide passed. It probably didn't help that he was completely conspicuous. He towered over every pony he passed. On average, the tops of their heads were only a little above his navel.
"Howdy there, Fluttershy," a single voice called through the general chatter.
Adrian turned his gaze to examine the source of the accented voice. The mare had an orange coat and a blonde mane and tail that were decoratively tied near their ends. Strangely enough, she was wearing a Stetson. Evidently, their two races had similar tastes in hats. He also noticed that she was standing behind a stall that doubled as a transport for her wares, apples.
Fluttershy waved before approaching the stall, and Adrian tailed her. Fluttershy was going out of her way for him. A small detour to chat with a friend was a negligible price to pay.
"Hello, Applejack." Fluttershy's voice was gentle but still managed to carry over the softer chatter in the air.
"What's the strange critter with you and why's it all spiffed up?" Adrian hadn't put any thought into the matter of clothes, but, now that she mentioned it, this "Applejack" was the first pony he'd seen wearing any clothing, even if it was merely a hat. This served to make him feel fairly self conscious before he shook off the feeling.
Fluttershy shook her head as she said, "Oh, no, Adrian isn't one of my animals. He's a human. He wears clothes because... Actually, I don't know," she turned her face towards him, "Why do you wear clothes?"
Adrian briefly considered how to explain the cultural significance of clothing to a race of equines. His train of thought was broken when he noticed Applejack was staring at him expectantly.
She looked him up and down skeptically. "Never heard o' no "human" before."
Adrian made sure to speak in as casual a tone as possible for comedic effect. "I'd be delighted if you had. Well, I suppose that would actually depend on who you met. I'd be kind of miffed if some unsavoury scoundrel had made the first impression for me," Adrian paused for effect, "So, this your apple stall then?" He noticed that a few ponies looked surprised as he spoke. Considering the circumstances, they, like Applejack, had likely thought him to be some animal of Fluttershy's.
Applejack literally shook her head to recover from her stupor. "Well I’ll be. You really aren't a critter. My apologies, and welcome to Ponyville. And yeah, this here stall is property of the Apple family."
Apparently, these ponies had a familial structure rather than a herd structure. Adrian tucked that little detail away into his memory.
Applejack's continuation came a moment later, "By the way, what brings you two to Ponyville?"
Fluttershy gestured towards him as she spoke, "I'm bringing him to Twilight. He's from another world, and he so desperately wants to go back. I thought she might be able to help him."
Applejack took this information rather well. "Oh. Well then, I suppose I'll wish you the best o' luck, Adrian. I do know I'd want to return home if I found myself in a right strange world."
Her sympathy caught him by surprise. "My thanks, Applejack."
Her smile was warm. "Ah, it was my pleasure. Don't you worry. If anyone can help you out, it's Twilight."
Surprisingly, it was Fluttershy who piped up, "It was nice seeing you Applejack, but I think Adrian is more anxious to go than he's letting on."
Adrian's mind raced. How had she seen through him. He was indeed anxious to get to his potential ticket home, but he'd made absolutely certain to not betray it in action or word. He hadn't thought she'd be able to read him like a book. Especially when he was actively hiding his feelings. He was definitely going to avoid underestimating these ponies from this point forward.
Applejack nodded her head. "Well then, don't let me keep you. It was nice meetin' you, Adrian."
Adrian dipped his head. "Farewell, Applejack." Though he had only briefly met her, he got the impression that, if he got to know her, he would like her as an individual. Ah well.
Fluttershy said her farewells and Adrian once more began following her towards Twilight's home.
"Best o' luck!" The call came from a waving Applejack.
Adrian returned the wave as he and Fluttershy went on their way.
"You have interesting friends."
Fluttershy smiled. "Yes, Applejack's very nice. She's an honest, hard-working pony. She and her family own the Sweet Apple Acres orchard outside of town."
"Reminds me of my friend, Havel. He came from a farming family. They grew apples, much like your friend. He was a tough, honest guy. I miss him already."
Fluttershy gave him a sincere smile. "I do hope you can get back to your world as soon as possible. I know I'd hate to be separated from my friends, both pony and animal."
It didn't take long for the pair to get within eyesight of the town library. Had Adrian not already seen Zecora's living house-tree, he might have thought the idea of a living tree building to be impossible. He stared at the building for a moment. Within was a pony that might be able to help him return home. To return to his life. But what if she couldn't?
He hesitated and his pace slowed to a stop.
"Adrian?"
Adrian shook his head and looked at Fluttershy, who had stopped a few paces ahead. "Sorry. I got wrapped up in some doubts."
As he caught up to her, she spoke, "Don't worry. I'm sure Twilight will be able to help you. You'll be home in no time. I promise."
With those comforting words battling the dread creeping into his mind, he followed Fluttershy as she approached the door to the library. The ingress to his fate. With every step, a silent, comforting mantra played through his mind: Acquire. Assimilate. Adapt.