//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4, Part II - Ponyville's New Arrival 
// Story: Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone 
// by Col. Calamity 
//------------------------------//

“WAIT!,” Fluttershy yelled as loudly as she could. Grim and Rainbow turned to look at her. Her one spurt of courage now exhausted, Fluttershy shrank back in her timidity. “I'm sorry,” she murmured. “It's just that you two weren't listening.” She glided to Rainbow's side. “Rainbow Dash, there's no need to be mad. He was just trying to protect me. Weren't you Grim?”

Grim nodded sternly. “I was. I could hear something hurtling through the air, and when I saw what I now know to be you, I instinctively threw myself around her as a shield,” Grim explained to Rainbow. 

“See? That's all that happened,” Fluttershy chimed

“Oh,” said Rainbow as embarrassment was beginning to build within her face. She rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. “Oh. Well, I...didn't know that. Wait. Fluttershy, you know this guy?”

“Yes. Don't you recognize him? Well, maybe you don't. The last time you saw him, he was unconscious on my living room floor with bandages all over. Rainbow Dash, this is my new friend. This is Grim. Grim, this is Rainbow Dash. She's one of my best friends I was telling you about.”

Rainbow furrowed her brow in concentration. “Unconscious? Bandages? Fluttershy, what are you- ?” Then the connection dawned upon her. Her face lit up in her new found understanding. “Hey, you're the pegasus that got beaten to a pulp!”

Grim was very unamused at Rainbow's observation. “That is...one way of phrasing it, I suppose.” With difficulty he suppressed his rising resentment, and proffered a hoof. “As Fluttershy said, my name is Grim. Rainbow Dash, is it?,” he attempted with a polite coolness.  

Rainbow pounded her hoof on top of Grim's, not the particular gesture he had in mind, and did a quick aerial back flip. “You got that right. Rainbow Dash is the name, and speed is the game. I specialize in agility, adrenaline, and winning. Nice to meet ya.”

“Likewise,” Grim replied halfheartedly, retracting his hoof. 

“Wow, look at that,” Rainbow marveled as she began to survey her new acquaintance. “Those wings you've got are awesome. I've never seen anything like them, even in competition. Are you a pro? Is that what all the flashy metal's for, like your costume?”

“A 'pro'? You mean professional? Professional what, exactly?”

“You know, like a stunt flyer. I figured you had to do something like that since you ended up out here near Ponyville. Were you, like, practicing over the forest and crashed? I know I crash a lot.”

“No Rainbow. He's not a performer,” Fluttershy informed her friend. “He's a soldier. And that's armor, not a costume. I showed you all when you came over that time, remember?”

“Armor?” Rainbow Dash craned her neck to gain a better view of Grim's body. She could now see not only the plating on his wings, but the cascade covering his back as well. She also noticed his breast piece and bracers. “I guess it is, isn't it? Huh. A soldier. What kind?”

“Pegasus Royal Air Corps, Royal Guard Division.”

“Oh, ok. So you're like one of those guards Princess Celestia always has with her?,” inquired Rainbow. She let her eyes wander over Grim's form, taking in the detail. “You look kinda like them, but you're way bigger than the other ones. And you actually talk. I can't get a reaction out of those other guys for anything.”

“The Royal Guard Division does encompass Celestia's personal guard, but there are classes within the division. In reality I am rather dissimilar from the guards to whom you are referring.”

Rainbow furrowed her brow again. “What's with the whole 'proper speech' thing? Where are you from?”

“Canterlot I suppose is the abbreviated answer. It is the location of my quarters, and where I spend my time when not out on mission,” answered Grim, fighting back his fraying patience. 

“Canterlot makes sense I guess,” Rainbow shrugged. She looked more closely at the large feathered structures supporting Grim in flight. “So how do you fly? You're totally covered in metal. I've never even seen armored wings before. That's gotta be heavy.”

“It is heavy. But I am quite strong, and thoroughly trained.”

“That's cool. I do a lot of training myself.” Rainbow poked her chest out in pride. “That's what I was doing when I- well, when we- met,” she finished weakly.

“Training?,” queried Grim, a small spark of interest ignited despite his urge to snort. “For what, may I ask, were you training?”

“The Wonderbolts,” Rainbow breathed with awe in her voice. “One day I'm gonna be the best flyer in Equestria, the head of the Sky Team.”

Grim maintained his even tone, warning himself that it could be catastrophic to tarnish any social interaction, especially before even making it to town. “That is a lofty goal. I know a few of the members of the Sky Team, and some racers as well. I find some of them to be unsavory characters, but there are some decent individuals in turn.”

“Oh my gosh! You know some of the Wonderbolts? Could you introduce me?,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed at Grim's remark. 

“I am afraid I do not know them that well. The Wonderbolts sometimes participate in joint exercises with the Guard for mobility and maneuver training. I oversee it on occasion, and that is how I came to know them. That is the extent of the relationship however.”

Rainbow's face fell, her enthusiasm shattered as quickly as it had appeared. “Oh. Ok then. Never mind.”

“I am sorry to disappoint,” Grim said, feeling a mild remorse. 

“No, it's cool. I understand.” Rainbow forced a confident look. “I don't need an introduction anyway. I'll get there by letting my flying speak for itself.”

“I believe in you Rainbow Dash,” came Fluttershy with soft vigor. “You'll do it for sure.” She put her hoof up in the air in a celebratory manner.

“Been practicing your cheering I see,” Rainbow stated with a strong note of sarcasm. 

“Not really. Did it sound like I have been? Was it that good?”

Rainbow put her hoof to her face. “It was definitely something.” Fluttershy beamed at her friend, having missed the slight. Rainbow shook her head. She made to say something more, but stopped as an idea struck her. “Hey,” she directed at Grim, “You said you did training or something with the Wonderbolts right? Can you race?” Her enthusiasm was again increasing. “I bet you can fly fast if you take that stuff off. You want to?!”

Fluttershy came forward and placed a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. “Rainbow, I don't think that's a good idea. Grim was hurt pretty badly, and he just woke up yesterday. He needs more time to heal.”

“But he's flying right now. Why not? One race won't put him down or anything.”

“He has to take it slow. You remember how bad he looked before don't you? Recovery from that doesn't come instantly.”

“I know, but what's one race?”

Grim cleared his throat to gain the mares' attention. “I am afraid I would have to agree with Fluttershy. Forgive me Rainbow Dash, but no. A race would be out of the question.” Rainbow made to protest, but Grim continued. “I do feel perfectly fine, but Fluttershy has been kind enough to see to my care thus far, and I will heed her advice until she is satisfied.” Rainbow did not speak in turn, but threw Grim a disgruntled look. To salvage the situation, Grim appended, “But, as an aside, I will say that from what I observed earlier, you would almost certainly best me in contest. My body is purpose built for strength, not speed. I doubt all the power I could muster would avail me much.”

“Yeah. I guess you've got a point,” Rainbow conceded. “It still would have been fun though.” She looked out over the landscape in the direction of Ponyville. The sun was high in the sky now, almost at noon position. The landscape beneath them was a vibrant mosaic of greens and pastels produced from the foliage now blossoming forth for spring. “What were you guys doing out here anyway? Were you going to town?”

“We were,” Fluttershy answered. “I ran out of a few things at home, and needed to go shopping. Grim woke up, and he'll be here a while longer to finish recovering, so I thought he could come to town with me and meet my friends.”

Rainbow Dash jabbed Grim playfully in the shoulder, making a soft dunk on his armor. “Well alright. Any friend of Fluttershy's is a friend of mine.” Grim smiled faintly at Rainbow Dash, though he was slightly perturbed at her invasion of personal space. Rainbow addressed Fluttershy, “Hang on though. You haven't been to town at all yet, right?”

“That's right,” Fluttershy nodded.

A mischievous grin snaked its way across Rainbow's face. “So he hasn't met Pinkie Pie yet, has he?”

“Oh...uh...well, no. I was actually going to-”

Rainbow Dash bolted up in the air a few feet, her wings beating at a quickened pace. “Sorry Grim, I just remembered. I have to go do something in town. Like right now. I gotta go.” At that, the pegasus zipped away toward town, leaving a rainbow streak in her wake. Before she was completely out of sight, she stopped and yelled back. “Oh, and it was cool to meet you.” She waved once, then she was gone.

Grim watched for a moment, then turned back to Fluttershy. He had an unsettled feeling about Rainbow's final words to her friend, and from the expression on her face, Fluttershy had a similar notion. “Her last words seemed to imply something. Should I be concerned at all?”

Fluttershy tried to subdue her anxiety about Rainbow speeding off to town. She knew all too well of the duo composed of Rainbow and Pinkie, and the trouble of which they were capable. Either one had sizable potential on their own, but together they were a force nigh unstoppable. Grim had already expressed caution at social circumstance, and Fluttershy could only hope that Rainbow had enough forethought not to be too overbearing with her plans. 

“I don't think there's anything to worry about,” soothed Fluttershy bravely. “I'm sure she just wanted to go get some of the girls together is all. Ponyville doesn't get new arrivals very often, and my friends are spread out over town. She's probably just getting them together to make your welcome easier.”

“I see. But before she went, she made it sound as though she had a prior engagement. She also made reference to me meeting someone. Pinkie Pie, I think she said.” 

Fluttershy quickly thought out her reply. She didn't want to give Grim cause to worry, but she had a vivid idea of what to expect at some point on their excursion. “That's right. Pinkie Pie is another one of my best friends. She works at a bakery, and Rainbow Dash is probably going to tell her about you so they can...can... ” She had done it now. She knew Grim would pick up on her hesitation. “M-make plans,” she spluttered finally.

Grim cocked an eyebrow in suspicion. “Make plans?,” he repeated. 

“That's right, make plans.” Fluttershy smiled nervously. 

“What kind of plans?,” Grim pressed slowly. “Not plans for me, I hope.”

“Well, maybe,” said Fluttershy, trying her best not to be untruthful. 

“Maybe?,” Grim repeated again. 

“Maybe,” Fluttershy asserted. 

“You are not sure as to the means or purpose of said plans?”

“I have a good idea.” Fluttershy once more reproached herself for another conversational mistake. She briefly wished she had some of Grim's even-keeled nature. 

“Ah. And what, may I ask, is your idea?”

“Well, they'll probably have a cake for you.” Fluttershy was going to say anything she could to avoid uttering that certain word that was ringing in her head. 

“Cake?”

Suddenly Fluttershy had a stroke of brilliance. She seized on the possible outlet she had created. “That's right, cake. Pinkie works at a bakery, and just loves sweets. They'll probably make a cake to welcome you.”

Grim's eyebrows righted themselves, the suspicion waning in his face. “Oh. I understand. Well, that is...very welcoming of them. I hope they do not trouble themselves too much.”

“Oh no, they'll be happy to.” Fluttershy instantly began to relax. “They love making new friends. And like I said, Ponyville doesn't get new arrivals very often.”

“Your friends are just as you described, if Rainbow Dash is an example of their collective attitudes,” Grim commented. “Are they all so brash, however?”

Fluttershy laughed. “No, all my friends are pretty different from one another. Rainbow does everything fast. Sometimes her feelings get ahead of her thoughts, but once she's your friend you won't find anyone more loyal.” The pastel pegasus drifted in the direction of town. “If it's ok, we should keep going. It'll be afternoon soon.”

Grim made to follow, still taking care not to use excessive force. “Lead on.” 

The pair continued on their way to Ponyville. The remainder of the journey was fairly short; they had made good progress before the encounter with Rainbow Dash. As they approached the edge of town the larger vegetation began to recede in favor of small shrubs, bushes, and semi-wild flowers. Grim could begin to see in the distance the ends of cobbled streets, extending out from in between some of the buildings. A few of the chimneys were emitting wispy columns of smoke, and the sounds of activity could be heard ever so slightly on the wind. 

As Grim's apprehension was swelling in his chest, Fluttershy began her descent. Grim dutifully followed, and the two landed on one of the cobbled outcroppings from an alleyway. They folded their wings, the larger with some minor accompanying metallic sounds, and Fluttershy rounded on Grim with an expectant smile. “Well, we made it. This is Ponyville. See? Nothing to worry about.”

“Perhaps. But we have not actually entered town yet, by my reckoning,” Grim pointed out.

“Oh. Well, no, we haven't.” Fluttershy adopted the most calming tone she could. “But I promise there's nothing to worry about. I didn't make us land directly in the market area, so we'll attract as little attention as possible. We'll walk right in, go meet a friend of mine, and go about the day. Easy.” 

Grim swallowed his instincts against his better judgment, and decided to trust in Fluttershy's beliefs. “If you can possess such confidence, then I suppose some small amount of faith on my part is warranted.”

“That's the spirit. Come on. This alley lets out right at the market.” The hoof beats of the two pegasi echoed softly off the ground stones and the walls on either side of the alley. Chatter and other noises could now be heard from somewhere within the town ahead, the source of activity drawing ever closer. The shadows in the alley, combined with the contrast of sunlight at its mouth, created an illusion of a tunnel leading to something unforeseeable, an effect Grim thought he could quite do without.

Fluttershy was in front, and was the first to step out into the day. She disappeared for the briefest of moments, her coat blending seamlessly with the crème sunlight. Then her silhouette materialized, and she gave a beckoning gesture. Grim paused just at the edge of the comforting shadows. He slowly exhaled, his proud, stern posture unchanged, then followed suit and stepped into the early afternoon air. 

The bustling that had been muffled in the alley was now fully audible, an amalgam of hoof beats, shouted greetings, and pleasant conversation. Grim listened as his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the day, anticipating the instant in which it all stopped, and he would feel the stares of the other ponies in disdain or fear. But his eyes countered the sun's light, revealing the scene of the market and the ponies browsing its offerings. The ponies continued talking with one another, continued haggling with defensive vendors, continued about their business. The instant never came. 

Grim cautiously cast his eyes about the outside venue. He caught a few passing glances here and there, but no one performed the usual act of stopping and gawking. Unwilling to compromise his guard Grim told himself he had yet to even step out into the market proper, but the gait he took in following Fluttershy was one of a mildly lightened heart. Fluttershy made her way past wooden crates and stacks of merchandise to a booth set up in an open area of the north market. Grim assumed it to be the booth of a local farmer. Piles of sacks marked with pictures of vegetables lined the front, and open containers of smaller produce covered the booth's counter top. Of particular note were the barrel stacks, four barrels high and taller even than Grim, surrounding the booth. Each barrel had a large centered picture of a plump green apple faced out. 

Fluttershy had made it to the counter, and Grim drew up alongside her. He peered over the edge and to each side of the wooden installation, but could find no one who looked as though they were conducting business. “It seems as though the merchant is not here,” Grim observed. 

“She should be here,” said Fluttershy. She mimicked Grim in looking around, then turned to possibly find the pony she wanted in rest of the market. “She wouldn't be setup otherwise. I wonder where she could be?”

As Grim made to reply he was interrupted by a loud, drawling yell from somewhere nearby. “Watch out, she's comin' down!” Grim jerked his head in the direction of the voice. He didn't see anyone immediately, but caught some movement out of his peripheral vision. His attention was drawn upward, to the top barrel in one of the stacks; the stack next to Fluttershy. The barrel was teetering precariously, and as he watched he realized the entire tower was swaying, with the timid mare directly in harm's way. 

Without a word Grim threw his wing over Fluttershy, keeping it bent so that his long winghand covered her head and most of her back. Fluttershy, unaware of the danger above, squeaked in fear at the whoosh of Grim's wing and the sudden shadow around her. Her legs buckled, and she fell low, nearly into a prone position. The tower strained in Grim's direction, the wood creaking against the metal hoops. It slowed, and as it reached the end of its elastic range the bottom barrel shifted, initiating collapse.  Fluttershy squeaked again at the noise; she covered her head with her front hooves, and her body began to tremble. 

Three large, apple-filled barrels came down across Grim's wing and back. As they made contact with his armor the hoops clanged and snapped, flying every which way. The wood splintered, and the apples within were freed. They thundered as they hit the plating, their momentum arrested, then rolled down safely into the dirt below. Grim did not flinch at the resulting cacophony, but admitted surprise to himself at the weight of the fruits.

The last of the apples rolled to the ground. The stack had fallen, and the danger had past. Grim checked the other stacks near the booth to make sure it was safe. Satisfied that all movement had ceased, he flicked some lingering apple flesh from his wing and brought it in, then quickly assessed Fluttershy's condition. She was still on the ground, her body rife with tremors. Grim frowned.  He knelt down and gave his best effort at an allaying voice. “Fluttershy? Fluttershy, it is safe now. There is nothing to fear.”

Fluttershy's body calmed itself when she heard the utterance of her name in Grim's deep rumble. She uncovered her head and raised it up to find his face. Her voice was weak from the ordeal. “W-w-what happened? Grim?”

“I gave you an unnecessary fright, and for that I am sorry.” Grim wore an apologetic expression. “The barrels near you were falling. I did not warn you, but merely reacted. Forgive me.”

Fluttershy looked around at the scene before her. Bruised apples and pieces of wood littered the area, and ponies were crowding at a distance, murmuring and jostling to try to see what had happened. She tried to process what Grim had said. “I don't understand. What did you do?”

“I saw that the barrels were unsteady, and I-”

A caramel colored pony with a brown stetson on her head came rushing up. She skirted around Grim and went to Fluttershy's side, kneeling down as well and hugging the pink-maned pony tightly. “Oh, 'Shy. I'm so sorry,” she choked. “I had no idea you were there. I'd'a saved ya m'self if I could. You ok?”

“Applejack. There you are. Yes, I'm alright. I'm not sure what happened though.”

Applejack loosed her hug. She took Fluttershy by her hooves and helped her to stand, then turned to Grim with her eyes full of teary relief. “Mister, I cain't even start thankin' ya. I saw the whole thing from the other side o' the booth there. Are you ok too?”

Grim's first thought was to inform the shopkeeper of how careless she could be to endanger pedestrians like she had. He stopped however upon seeing her interaction with Fluttershy, and thought it best to remain reservedly polite. “I am fine, thank you. But if I may, someone else would not have fared nearly as well in the same circumstance. Perhaps you should reconsider how you display your wares?”

“I still don't understand. What's going on?,” Fluttershy asked as she dusted off her legs with her wings. 

Applejack took the initiative. “Somepony brushed up against that stack o' barrels ya'll were standin' next to. They started rockin', an' I knew they were comin' down, so I yelled out that warnin'. I guess you didn't pay it no mind, but this fella here did.” Applejack indicated Grim with a nod. “I came back round the booth just in time ta see all the apples fall on top of 'im, his wing coverin' you 'n all. Never seen anythin' like it.”

Fluttershy gasped. She had finally wrapped her mind around the event. “That sudden shadow. That was you, wasn't it Grim? That was your wing. You let those apples fall on top of you, didn't you?”

“I can assure you it sounds more dramatic than what actually transpired. I felt very little.” Grim tapped his breast piece at this. “And as I said, I merely reacted.”

“But surely you didn't just have to throw yourself underneath like that. You could have gotten hurt too, and after just starting to really get better.”

“Now hold on just a second there,” Applejack interjected. “Fluttershy, you know this fella?”

“I do,” Fluttershy answered cheerily. “You do too, although I guess you wouldn't say you actually 'met' him. Applejack, this is Grim. He's the pegasus I've been taking care of.” 

Applejack stepped back from Grim and took stock of him with this new information. Her eyes moved from the ground up, over his this bracers, along the profiles of his muscles to his chest piece, then up to his stony but none the less handsome visage. She craned her neck to one side and saw the large, metal laden structures folded and hanging about his knees. 

“Well I'll be,” Applejack wondered aloud after having finished her appraisal. “It is you, i'n it? I declare.” The caramel colored pony extended a hoof and smiled warmly. “It's good ta see ya out 'n about. Name's Applejack. It's a pleasure.”

Grim took the hoof with his own, and the two shook. He noted mentally his appreciation for this friend's demeanor much more in comparison to Rainbow Dash. “The pleasure is all mine,” he replied genuinely. “Grim is my name.”

“Grim, huh?” Applejack reached under her hat and scratched the top of her head absentmindedly. “There's one I hadn't heard before. I'm gonna take a wild guess 'n say yer not from around here. Mind if I ask where ya come from?”

It was now Grim's turn to inspect his new acquaintance. Applejack was nearly identical in size to Fluttershy. She had no wings, but her legs showed a much greater degree of muscular definition, likely a product of prolonged manual labor. Grim detected a distinct air of practicality; a hat to ward away the sun, and her mane and tail bound at the ends out of a sense of purpose rather than style. Her speech was very rustic, a complete foil to his own manner, but it was not without its charm. “Not at all. Canterlot is my home. I reside at the Royal Palace, in the barracks.”

“Barracks? I s'pose that'd make you a soldier or som’n?”

“Correct. Pegasus Royal Air Corps, Royal Guard Division,” Grim stated mechanically. 

“Well that clears a few things up on my end.” Applejack pushed up her hat and glanced down at Grim's chest. “That sure is some fancy metal you got there Grim.” She then eyed the ground and the fragments of wood and apple strewn about. She sighed. “Did the trick against my apple barrels anyway. I know I said it before, but I'm pow'rful sorry 'bout that. You sure you ain’t hurt?”

“I am fine, and it is of no concern now.  Apology accepted. However, if I may ask, I doubt you were able to stack those barrels yourself, considering your height. Is it not unwise to have them arranged in a fashion difficult for you to control?”

Applejack chuckled evasively. “Well, yeah, you got a point there. My brother, Big Macintosh, put the barrels up. Normally I hold down the stall by m'self, and he stays on our farm to do chores. He got flustered ‘cause I wanted ta git the last o' the winter harvest out to make room in the storage cellars, an' he had ta come up ta the market to help me, then go back ta work his share. 

“He'd just as soon put 'em up high than arrangin' 'em, an' that's what he did. He's about the biggest stallion in Ponyville, so four high wasn't a problem for him. Speakin' of...” Applejack stood purposefully straight and took a step forward. She seemed to be gauging a point on Grim's neck with her eyes. “Yer definitely a lot bigger when yer not sprawled out on the floor. I reckon ya even got Big Mac beat.”

“Do you really think so?,” Fluttershy asked as she looked up at Grim's head, as though truly noticing his size for the first time. 

“Oh yeah. I'd say 'bout half an apple taller. Not much, but just enough ta make Mac jealous.” Applejack winked at Grim and chided, “My brother's always taken a bit o' pride in bein' the biggest around. I bet you two'd make good friends though; he wouldn't mind havin' someone ta talk to where he didn't have ta look down. But speakin' o' bein' around; you mind if I ask what brought you round these parts in the first place Grim?”

Grim was suddenly very much aware of the crowd of ponies in the market. They had maintained a distance, but their rapt engrossment was almost palpable in the air now. He could hear bits and pieces of muttered conversations within.

“Wow mama, who's he? He's like the biggest stallion ever!”

“What was his name? Grim? That's kinda scary.”

“Look at that armor. And those wings. What in the world is a soldier doing here?”

“Did you see how that stuff falling on him didn't do anything? What kind of stallion is he?”

Tension was beginning to rise within his chest as Grim decided how best to answer Applejack's question. “Begging your pardon,” he breathed as he leaned in toward Applejack, his eyes roving over the onlookers, “But perhaps those types of questions are best saved for a less exposed setting. It seems I've garnered some speculation for my actions.”

Applejack followed Grim's eyes. She could see that the market ponies were listening much closer than manners should allow. She gave the crowd an annoyed look and took a step in their direction. “Alright folks, ain't nothin' ta see here,” she dismissed. “Everypony's fine. G'w'on now, ya'll know better 'n ta stare.” 

Obviously displeased, the ponies began to disband. They went to continue their previous business, and slowly the sounds of the busy market returned. Fluttershy blushed at the attention they had drawn. “Oh, Applejack. You didn't have to do that. We could have just gone somewhere else.”

“Nah. They needed tellin'. There's curious, an' then there's nosy. Don't be mistaken Grim, we got good folks here in Ponyville. But fer whatever reason we get our fair share of excitement fer a small town. Ponies always gotta know what's goin' on.” Applejack nudged an apple fragment on the ground. “Well, anyway, what brings ya'll to the market today? Just checkin' things out?”

“Not really. We came looking for you, actually,” Fluttershy answered her friend.

“Lookin' fer me?” Applejack gave a short snort of laughter. “That's one way o' doin' it. Well, now that we're here, what can I do for ya? You need som'n off the farm?”

“I do. Several things, if that's ok.”

“O' course Shy. Anythin' fer you. Shoot.”

“Um, let's see. I need...” Fluttershy thought critically. “What did I need?”

“Oats, wheat flour, corn meal, and hay,” Grim rattled off. “At least those were the items that you mentioned this morning.”

Fluttershy's face pinkened. “Oh, thank you Grim. That's right Applejack; I need oats, wheat flour, corn meal, and hay.”

“No problem. Lemme see what I got.” The farm pony hopped over the counter of her stand and began to rummage through the stock she kept behind. “Alright. I got corn meal.” She set a few bags aside. “An' I got oats.” She pulled several more bags to the side. “An' I got wheat flour.” She piled still more bags on top of the others. “But as far as hay goes-” She shifted other wares around and frowned. She spun slowly in place in search of something, then came back to Fluttershy. “Sorry, sugarcube. I got everythin' ya asked for, 'cept hay. I bet I got some back at the farm though. Ya'll wanna stop by later today n' git some? Or if ya want I'n just deliver it to ya t'mara mornin'.”

“No, Applejack, I couldn't ask you to do that. And I don't want to impose at your house. No, I can just pick it up here tomorrow during the day. That's the least trouble for you.”

“Ain't no trouble,” Applejack assured Fluttershy. “I'n come by yer place t'mara mornin' on my way to town.”

“No,” Fluttershy objected softly. “I'll just come tomorrow and pick it up then. But thank you for offering.”

Applejack shrugged. “Alright then, if'n ya say so. What about all this here then? How much ya need?”

“Two bags of each should be fine. That will last a while.”

“Sure thing.” Applejack took a pencil from the counter into her mouth. “C-M, Oat, W-F; two bags E,” she said through her clenched teeth as she wrote on a nearby ledger. “Charge yer town account for this, right?,” she asked Fluttershy.

“Please.”

“Charge to town account,” Applejack mumbled. “Ya'll gonna pick up now, or wait 'till t'mara for the hay?,” she asked, her teeth still clenched. 

“Can we get what you have at the end of the day today? We actually had a couple more stops to make. Grim will have to stay here a little while longer to recover completely, so I thought it might be nice to introduce him to my best friends in Ponyville since you were all so concerned for him.”

Applejack finished with her pencil and ledger and placed it back on the counter. “Pick up at the end o' today's fine. And that's nice seein' everyone. So what'd'ya think o' Ponyville so far Grim? It ain't Canterlot, mind.”

“It seems to be a fine community,” Grim stated politely. “But it is odd; I have yet to meet anyone without an accompanying incident.”

Applejack pushed her hat to one side sheepishly. “Ya don't say. Who else have ya met?”

“Well, the first would be Fluttershy, when I strayed into her yard bloodied and broken. And just this morning as we were coming to town we happened upon Rainbow Dash. Or rather, she happened upon us.”

Applejack huffed disapprovingly. “Crashed inta ya, didn' she?”

“It is a recurring theme then, I presume?,” Grim mused with a hint of a grin.

“Yeah, you could say that. She's a great friend 'n all, no denyin'. Wouldn't trade 'er fer nothin'. But she ain't without her faults. Then again, none of us are I s'pose.”

Grim nodded sanctimoniously. “Very true indeed.”

“I like you,” declared Applejack heartily. “Ya talk fancy, but yer alright Grim. I think ya'll'll fit in just fine round here.” 

“Thank you most sincerely,” Grim returned with as much heartiness as his demeanor would allow. “I admit reservation initially, but so far everyone has been most welcoming.”

“It's my pleasure.” Applejack spoke to Fluttershy. “So what other stops do ya'll have ta make today?”

“Oh, just going to see the other girls. I thought we should take things easy today. Grim only came to last night.”

“Land sakes.” Applejack's eyes surveyed Grim one more time from the ground up, marking his reserved stance that almost produced an air of rigidity. “Best save Pinkie Pie for last, I think,” she commented pointedly. “Somethin' tells me excitement ain't what he's lookin' for.”

Fluttershy deliberately kept her gaze fixed on Applejack, unwilling to reciprocate Grim's now searching look. “I had the same feeling. I know everything will turn out just fine though.”

“It will.” Applejack nudged Grim. “Well ya'll best get goin' if you still got things ta do. Daylight's burnin'. An' I got some cleanin' ahead o' me, looks like.”

“Don't you want some help with the mess?,” Fluttershy offered genially. 

Applejack waved her hoof away in dismissal. “Nah, it's my mess. Cain't ask that of ya. Thanks though. Now g'w'on. You got comp'ny.”

“Ok then. Thank you for taking my order.”

“Any time. Ya'll can come by the stand whenever. It'll be under the counter for ya.”

Grim bowed his head. “It has been a delight, Applejack. Until next time.”

“Same here, Grim. I'm sure I'll be seein' ya again real soon. Take care.”

With that, Fluttershy went right toward a row of houses with Grim following closely behind. Grim waited until they had walked far enough to be out of earshot before asking, “Fluttershy, Applejack was the second friend to make mention of this 'Pinkie Pie'. She recommended that you 'save her for last' I believe was her phrasing. May I inquire as to what she meant by such a statement?”

Fluttershy bit her lip nervously. “Well..,” she began slowly. “Well...what Applejack meant was...was that Pinkie Pie probably has something planned for you. You know, like a cake, like we talked about earlier. We should wait so she has enough time for what she wants to do.”

“I see. But Applejack also used the word 'excitement'. I cannot speak for you, but I for one have never found cake to be particularly exciting. Do you know what she meant by that?”

“Oh, Pinkie Pie is just easily excitable. That's all,” Fluttershy explained away quickly. She was getting better at this. “And you were so calm after the apple thing, she probably figured you just don't get excited that much.” She was getting much better at this. 

“Of course.” Grim did not voice his inclination to the contrary of Fluttershy's words, but maintained it nonetheless. “Please forgive me if I sounded suspicious. It merely struck me as odd that both Rainbow Dash and Applejack mentioned her.”

Fluttershy was relieved that she had again avoided revealing the likely inescapable conclusion to their outing. “No, you're fine. Here, this way.” They had reached the end the row of houses, and Fluttershy lead to the left. Grim rounded the corner, and saw a somewhat larger building set away in the distance. It was circular in architecture, and adorned with vibrant colors and decorative accents. It had two stories, and tapered off to a conical steeple at the top. Several silhouettes of ponies could be seen flying  on poles around the second tier, and numerous patterns, shapes, and filigrees wound their ways about every part of the place. The word 'frilly' came to Grim's mind. 

“Where are we going next?,” Grim queried, though he doubted he needed to ask.

“It's right up ahead; the boutique at the end there. That's where my friend Rarity lives.”

“Boutique? Is she a merchant like Applejack then?”

“Yes. Well, I guess that's the word. She designs all sorts of clothes and accessories, then makes them to sell. So yes, she is.”

“A business in fashion; that certainly elucidates her shop's appearance.”

“Isn't it just lovely? I love coming over to Rarity's on a quiet afternoon.” The pair made their way up to the front door of the boutique. Fluttershy opened the door and stepped through, motioning Grim inside as well. He entered through the portal, and a small bell at the top of the frame tinkled merrily as it was brushed by the door closing behind him. 

Grim was greeted by an onslaught of color as his eyes adjusted to indoors. The space into which they had come was less of a room and more of a small galleria. Here and there were racks of carefully hung clothing pieces, each different from the one next to it. Interspersed among the racks were stands hung with fanciful hats and mannequin ponies sporting some of the more flashy or elegant ensembles. To the right of the door was a raised platform with a tri-fold mirror for, Grim assumed, trying on outfits. The air of the place bore the faint smell of perfume, and as he looked closer he was fairly certain he could make out small shimmering particles in the air. 'If ever there was a place I do not belong,' he thought, 'I believe I may have found it.'

“Just a moment, please! I'll be right with you!,” chirped a singsong voice from somewhere out of sight.

“Oh, don't rush Rarity. It's just me,” Fluttershy called back.

“Ooh, Fluttershy. I'm so glad you came by today. I meant to get your opinion on something yesterday, but I completely forgot. I'm finishing it up now. Wait right there.” 

Grim had determined the origin of the voice; it was coming from behind a yellow dressing screen near the back of the room. As he watched, the screen developed a crystalline blue aura and shifted to the left, revealing the pony who had spoken. She had a snow white coat, and her tail of deep purple was styled in a large sweeping curl. What could be seen of the mane on her neck was also curled, the rest covered by a very extravagant hat perched on her head. She was not looking at Grim and Fluttershy, but at herself in a large panel mirror against the wall. 

“How does it look from the back darling?,” the white pony asked. “I think it looks smashing in the front.”

“Oh Rarity, I think it's wonderful. Maybe one of your best yet.”

“Do you think so?,” asked Rarity said passively. “What about the feathers? That's really what I need your opinion on. Do you think they accent things well?” Grim's attention moved to the feathers to which Rarity was referring. They were stuck in the band seated on the hat's brim and protruded so far out into space that they wilted under their own weight. Grim remembered seeing this a few times in Canterlot, and remembered having it explained to him that that was the point. He still did understand this. 

“I think they're perfect. But where did you get peacock feathers at this time of the year? They won't be molting for some time.”

“It wasn't easy, let me tell you.” Rarity continued to gauge her appearance in the mirror, turning her head back and forth. 

“Those feathers aren't freshly picked I hope.”

Rarity struck a pose for herself. “We all must suffer for the sake of fashion Fluttershy. And it's not like the peacock needed all of them.” She tilted the hat to one side. “He was able to put up a bit of a fight, but I think he was more than willing to part with these once I gave him a piece of bread. And magicked him into the air.”

Fluttershy giggled. “I know what peacocks can be like. He chased you, didn't he?”

“He did, the silly bird,” Rarity huffed. “For something so beautiful, he was awfully mean. He even made me squeal.”

Fluttershy giggled once more. “You could have asked me. I probably would have had less trouble.”

“Yes, well, it's done with now. Anyway...” Rarity levitated the hat off her head and hung it on a post of the dressing screen. She finally tore herself from her reflection and did an about face to speak with her friend. “What brings you-” She stopped as she registered Grim standing beside Fluttershy. 

“Oh no, I'm terribly sorry sir,” Rarity apologized. She hurried over to the two in front of the door. “I didn't realize you had come in as well. I-” Even as she spoke, recognition crept across her face. “Begging your pardon, but I want to say I know you. And yet I can't place you.”

“I wouldn't say you know him, but you have seen him before. Remember?,” coaxed Fluttershy. 

“I like to think I would remember when and where I saw somepony like him,” Rarity muttered to her friend.

Grim was unsure of how Rarity intended her last statement, but acted as though he had not heard, and instead bravely attempted to smooth the conversation along. “Excuse me madam, but perhaps I can provide frame of reference. If my guess is correct, you at one time saw me as I was in Fluttershy's care. Does that help?”

Rarity squinted up at Grim as she processed the clue given her. Her face then lit up, and her eyes grew wide and sparked with glee. “You're that stallion from the forest aren't you?,” she exclaimed. 

“I am. My name is Grim.” The pegasus bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you Miss- Rarity- I believe it is?”

“Oh my, such manners,” Rarity breathed. “I-I mean yes. Yes, that's right. And Rarity will be just fine, thank you.” She blushed. “I must say, it's good to see that you're finally up. It seems like it's been ages since Fluttershy found you.”

“It has been two weeks, yes. But thanks to her care, I am feeling much better. Thank you for your concern.”

“Of course, dear, of course. But wait. When exactly did you wake up? I only visited Fluttershy yesterday afternoon. Don't tell me I just missed everything.”

“I'm sorry Rarity,” Fluttershy answered. “It happened right after you left. Even if I had thought to call you back, you were already long gone.”

Rarity sighed. “Well, that is a shame. But I suppose it can't be helped. In any case, the important thing is that you're here...in my...boutique...welcome.” She had begun to pass her eyes over Grim, gleaning from him every detail she could. She absorbed the sights of his shapely legs, his broad chest, his lank mane hanging about his muscular neck and back, and his massive wings, all covered by casts of lustrous silver metal. She ended at Grim's face, and was met with a look of searching curiosity, accentuated by his strong brow and stark eyes. 

“Is there something amiss?,” Grim asked with distinct grace. He could tell when he was being judged, and hated the feeling. He normally would have scowled and walked the other way, but he knew this was not an option with circumstances considered.

“No,” Rarity said quickly. “Nothing is wrong. My eyes tend to- to wander when I'm in thought. I just remembered something. Fluttershy dear, could you help me in the kitchen for a second?”

“The kitchen?,” Fluttershy repeated confusedly. “Sure. But what do you need help in your kitchen for?”

“Well, not really the kitchen. The back I suppose. I have a- uh- a piece in the back that I can't move that I want you to see. Would you mind coming with me for a moment?” The unicorn beckoned toward what Grim presumed to be the back of the shop. 

Fluttershy acquiesced. “Well, ok. If you insist. Should Grim come too?”

“No no.” Rarity smiled apologetically at Grim. “No, I'm so sorry. Girls only I'm afraid. But please feel free to browse. The stallion designs are over there on the rack in the corner. We'll only be a minute, I promise.” Before Grim could speak blue magic glowed around and under Fluttershy's hooves, and the shy pegasus wobbled from loss of footing as she glided behind a trotting Rarity, literally being towed.

The two mares entered the curving hallway leading to the back rooms of the boutique. Rarity made it to the end, almost to a staircase, then hung left into a roomy, neatly kept kitchen. The magic she was maintaining under Fluttershy's hooves evaporated, landing her unsteadily on the ground. 

“Rarity, what is this about? I thought you said we weren't going to the kitchen.”

“Sorry about that dear. I may have fibbed a little.” Rarity poked her head out past the entryway edge into the hallway verify their privacy. “I needed something to get you back here to talk with you.”

“Talk with me? About what? And why do we have to do it here?”

“Because dear, I certainly couldn't do it in front of him.” The unicorn positively gushed the word.

“Him? Who, you mean Grim?”

Rarity giggled madly. “Ooh, yes, him. Grim. Such a strong, dark name. He's just like a storybook character.”

Amusement was beginning to replace Fluttershy's confusion. “What are you talking about Rarity? He's no different than any other stallions we know.”

“Oh Fluttershy, he's so much different. You have to have noticed. Just look at his body; those rippling mounds of muscle, that exquisite posture, a lank mane hanging with effortless elegance, and so tall. And his voice, and those eyes; I think I got chills.”

Fluttershy laughed breathily. “Don't you think you're being just a teensy bit dramatic Rarity? I mean, yes, maybe he is somewhat different, but I don't think he's quite like that.”

“Beauty and drama go hand in hand dear,” said Rarity sagely. “And if there is anything I know as well as fashion, it's beauty and drama. Tell me this; can you honestly say you don't think he's absolutely gorgeous?”

“I...well.” Fluttershy wilted a little at the question. “It's like I said yesterday. I think he looks...nice.”

“Just nice?”

“Nice,” Fluttershy reaffirmed. 

Rarity grinned slyly. “If you say so. Anyway, what's he like? Did you find out anything about him, like what he was doing here, or what he does for a living, or where he's from?”

“Oh yes. We talked a good while last night, and a little this morning.”

“Well, go on dear. What did he say? Tell me everything.”

“Ok. Let's see. He's a soldier in the Pegasus Royal Air Corps.  He lives in a barracks in the Canterlot Royal Palace, but spends most of his time traveling for his duties. If I understood correctly, his job is to keep monsters and bad things in check when he gets sent out on missions.”

“A soldier.” Rarity looked up wistfully in thought. “That makes sense. It explains a few things, like that  armor of his. What else? What was he doing here?”

“He was out on a mission, tracking down a dragon in the Everfree forest. He found it, and another one it was living with, and they attacked him. He was fighting the two dragons when he got injured, and barely made it to my house through the forest after it was over. That's why he was in such bad shape.”

Rarity frowned. “Dragons, as in plural? I don't know about that. That sounds just a little fantastical, wouldn't you agree?”

“Oh no. I mean, it may sound like it, but that's what he said. And it adds up. He had these gashes on his legs, and the burns, and damage to both his wings. He told me the whole story last night of how it all happened. Besides, why would he make something like that up?”

“You've got me. But all we can know is what he tells us.”

“I believe him. I could tell he was being truthful. By- by his eyes,” Fluttershy finished almost dreamily.

“His eyes? What ever do you mean darling?” Rarity's sly grin returned. “You didn't happen to spend last night lost in those perfect circlets of polished marble did you?”

Fluttershy blushed furiously. “What I meant was he has honest eyes. That's all.”

“Honest eyes? Try stunning eyes. Alright, so he's a soldier who lives in Canterlot, which seems reasonable. Still don't know about how or why he's here. What's he like? It sounds like you spoke with him a bit.”

“Well, he doesn't really speak that much on his own. You have to ask him mostly if you want to hear what he has to say.  When he does speak, he's very open though. He doesn't smile much; he's been really serious so far. He looks like he would be really mean, but he's not. He's never harsh, but even if he does smile just a little, you always get this hint of a deep sadness. It's never on his face; you have to look at his eyes to see it. But I don't have to tell you this. Why don't we go out and talk to him so you two can make friends? That's why we came by today.”

“Certainly dear. I just wanted to find out what you knew first. It makes those introductory conversations that much easier, that's all.” Rarity walked back toward the hallway. “Now come on. Mr. tall, dark, and handsome is waiting for us. It would be a tragedy to keep somepony like him waiting for anything. But remember, if he asks, we came back here to look at a dress. Have to keep our stories straight.”

The two traversed the hallway and came back into the main show room of the boutique. Grim was immediately apparent against the colorful backdrop of clothing and decoration. He was holding up a vest and tie set by its hanger and examining it, his face unreadable. 

“Grim, we're back,” called Fluttershy. “I'm sorry if we took too long. We had to- to look at a dress. I hope you didn't miss us too much.”

Grim put the vest and tie set back on its rack. “Not at all. I was just taking a look at the stock here. Rarity, do you design and craft all these pieces yourself?”

“Every last one,” Rarity almost sang. “Why? Did you find something you like? Oh, should I put you on the riser so we can fit you?!”

“No, thank you. You are gracious to offer, but I am quite comfortable as I am. I also have no money with which to pay.”

“I couldn't ask you to pay darling,” Rarity scoffed. “No, this would be a gift in light of your pulling through that ordeal of yours. Come now, tell me what you fancy. Anything you want, and it's yours. I'll pull it in- or let it out as your case may be, and everything. Really.”

“Again you are very gracious, but I must protest. I am satisfied as I am. I was actually rather pleasantly surprised that the townsfolk paid me the little attention that they did.”

Rarity turned to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy dear, you didn't take him through town like this did you? On his first day up and all?”

“Is there something wrong, Rarity?,” asked Fluttershy.

“Do you find cause for concern about my appearance?,” came Grim with his tone of forced grace. 

“Of course not, Grim. I apologize if that sounded ill meant. Believe me, you look absolutely smashing adorned with that glistening metal. It's just that it might give the wrong impression is all. And you could turn so many heads with the correct ensemble. Won't you please let me get you an outfit? I can make one here on the spot, just for you. It will be the most marvelous set of clothes you've ever had, guaranteed.” Rarity gave a broad, expectant smile.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I am comfortable in my present state. I must decline.”

“I must insist. There must be something that strikes a chord. A posh vest? Perhaps a distinguished top hat?”

“Thank you, but no.”

Rarity's smile was gone. Her bottom lip quivered as she spoke unsteadily. “But I wanted to make something nice for you. Are you saying you don't like my work?”

“I did not mean-”

“But what did you mean? You won't accept my gift!”

“That is true, but for different reasons than you-”

“You are saying you don't like my work!” Large tears were forming in Rarity's eyes. “I just wanted to do something nice for a new friend. And I so rarely get to make clothes for stallions anyway.”

“Rarity, I-”

“No, it's fine. I understand. You won't tell me directly. You don't have to. You're trying to spare my feelings. And I must keep my businesslike composure. It's just...just...” Rarity gave an exaggerated sniff.

Fluttershy tried to soothe her friend. “Rarity, Grim's not saying he doesn't like your clothes. Everyone knows they're the best in Ponyville, and I'm sure he thinks so too. It's just he doesn't want any right now.”

Grim's mind was racing. He could not figure why, but the situation was deteriorating rapidly. He had made sure to be polite. He was presumably gentle enough in his dialog. He could find nothing he had done incorrectly, yet the unicorn before him seemed to be on the verge of a teary breakdown. There had to be a way to recover, a way to placate her. Grim steeled himself, and chose his words carefully.

“Rarity, please be calm. If the importance to you is that great, I would be honored to have you design something for me.”

Rarity jumped and squealed with delight. Any and all traces of the coming breakdown were washed away. “I thought you might come around. It's for the best darling, it really is. Now come, come, stand over there on the center riser so we can see you properly. Ooh, this is going to be so much fun!”

Fluttershy huffed breathily to herself with a grin. “You always do get your way with boys, don't you Rarity?”

Rarity leaned in to Fluttershy as Grim stepped onto the raised platform. She whispered,“You bet I do. Now watch me while I dress those perfectly cut shoulders.” She winked, and edged her way to platform's base. A tape measure and pair of glasses zoomed magically to her side from somewhere in the room. She brought the tape measure to a hover next to Grim's mid-back, and placed the glasses primly on her face. 

The tape measure extended to the ground, and Rarity made note of the distance. She made similar measurements of different things on Grim's body, smiling and humming all the while, and sometimes giggling. Grim stood still patiently, but watched Rarity out of his peripheral vision. 'I've been had,' he thought heavily with a mental sigh. 'A simple ruse. The most elite combat and negotiation training, and I cannot identify false tears. I loathe irony.'

Rarity's voice broke over Grim's contemplation. She had cast away her tape measure and was now  levitating a bolt of blue cloth in the air. “Grim dear, can you please remove your armor for me? I want to try a few things to see how they look, but I can't don't much with it in the way.”

“I would prefer not to remove my armor, if I may submit,” said Grim apologetically as the cloth caught his eye. He could make an educated guess as to what was coming next. “Is that at all possible?”

“I'm afraid it isn't possible dear. I can't simply work around it. It covers you almost completely. There's nothing to clothe. I'll need you to take it off.”

Fluttershy came forward. “But Rarity, you can't make him take it off if he doesn't want to.”

Rarity set down the bolt of cloth. “I know, and I don't mean to push. But I'd like to be able to give him an outfit now.”

“Well, could you maybe make some sketches for now, and we could come back another time? How's that?,” Fluttershy suggested. 

“I could. But you know how I am about ideas Fluttershy. They're best when they're spur of the moment, when they're fresh.” Rarity looked up at Grim. “If you let me work now, I think things would turn out so much better. Please, Grim? For me?” Rarity batted her pronounced eyelashes.

Grim was unsure what to make of this. He had heard of such a gesture, but had never been the object of it. “Perhaps we can arrive at compromise?,” he proposed, unwilling to provoke any more of Rarity's persuasion tactics. “What do you think of this?” He partially unfolded his wings from his sides and stood as straight as he could. Fluttershy and Rarity looked on at first in confusion, then in awe as the metal plates girding Grim's body began to move autonomously. 

The myriad pieces of metal interlaced to form the armor were sliding in upon themselves, one beneath the other beneath the other. The pieces shielding the flank and sides slid up inside top sheath plates, which in turn slid underneath their preceding plates in the cascade down Grim's back. The breast piece followed similarly, sliding up into itself, until the collapsed back and breast pieces formed a solid, surprisingly compact yolk-like piece around Grim's neck. 

The plates forming the bulk of the wing assemblies drew inward under one another along their support rails. Once they had collapsed as far as they would the support rails themselves partially collapsed, finally forming shortened half 'H's on both parts of the wing, joined by the ball-and-socket. Even the bracers transformed, creating unassuming bangles on Grim's legs. 

Fluttershy uttered a low “Wow.” Rarity gaped, speechless. 

Grim waited a few moments for the mares to respond. When they did not he said, “I take it this will not suffice as a compromise then?”

“I didn't know you could do that too,” Fluttershy said with wonder. “And I thought putting it on sounded amazing. What do you think Rarity?”

Rarity's voice was soft, reminiscent of a trance-like state. “I think...I think it's the most captivating thing I've ever seen.” She approached the riser on which Grim stood and hopped up, gazing as she went  at his newly-formed yolk. “May I?,” she asked, indicating the metal. 

“Be my guest,” Grim approved. He was wary of Rarity's intention, but was grateful for a distraction from fashion. 

The unicorn placed her hooves on the silvery surface. She knew the piece before her to be segmented, having seen it transform seconds ago, but the perfect reflection in front of her was unbroken by lines of any kind. The gloss of the metal produced an image more vivid and real then even her own vanity mirror. It was, for lack of a better word, perfect. Rarity moved away from her reflection, though not without difficulty, and inspected Grim's wings. Due to their shaped front profiles the support rails did not fit together quite so miraculously, but the plates came together in the same manner as the yolk. 

Grim had begun to grow uncomfortable. He attempted to redirect Rarity's concentration. “Do you perhaps have a question that I may answer?”

“I do have a question, actually.” Rarity pulled herself away from the armor. Excitement could now be felt in her speech. “Your armor; is it enchanted?”

“It is.”

“And what of this enchantment, the one that makes things move like that? Can it only be used on things like metal? Or maybe something a bit softer, something like fabric?”

“I suppose it could be applied to fabric,” Grim mused after a second of thought. “But there are inherent qualities of my material that facilitate the use of the enchantment, such as rigidity and magic sustainability. Fabric would require further compensation for those qualities to induce similar results.”

“But it can be done right? I could, say, make a design that moves? Like this, I mean.”

“It seems feasible. As I said, the use of fabric would require different efforts; efforts with which I would not be totally familiar. Why do you ask?”

“Because you may have just given me the most fabulous, revolutionary idea I've ever had!,” Rarity sang. “Think of it. Transformable fashion! Literally buy two outfits for the price of one. Casual wear that transforms into evening wear, adjustable sleeves for anything, hats that change accessories for the seasons. The possibilities are endless!”

“That is a wonderful idea,” piped Fluttershy. “And you'd be the only designer in Equestria to have anything like that. I bet your boutique would do so well.”

Rarity's eyes sparkled. “It would. I could even become famous. My talent would finally be recognized in the highest places, my creations worn in the Royal Court. Just imagine. Oh, but I mustn't get ahead of myself. I haven't made anything yet.” She turned to Grim. “May I ask something of you, Grim? Can you tell me who produced this astounding example of craftsmanship for you? I'd very much like to speak with them for advice. I'll need to understand the magical concepts before I can begin.”

Grim could not help but smile a little at Rarity's inadvertent praise. “This regalia was hoof-crafted in its entirety by me. It is custom made; there is, to my knowledge, nothing remotely similar. If you wish advice, I would be the one with whom to speak.”

“You made this, all of this, yourself? But you're so...well built. I would have guessed your profession to be more of a physical type, not that of an artisan.”

“The craft of forging is a rather physical activity, but your guess is correct. I am a soldier, not an artisan. I am not without my leisurely activities, however.”

“'Leisurely activities' he says,” Rarity murmured. “Well then, it seems I need look no further. Grim, might you be willing to help me with my fashion? Not today of course. I think you'd like a little more time to get used to things around Ponyville. But I would be ever so grateful if you agreed.”

“Would I have to serve as a model?,” Grim asked with caution. 

“No darling I won't make you do that, as much as I'd like to.” Rarity winked. “No, I'd have you on as a consultant, with the enchantment parts and such. And if you're really opposed to it, I won't force to wear one of my creations. What do you say? Will you do it?”

Grim looked at Fluttershy for affirmation. “What say you, Fluttershy? Would this be acceptable?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I think it's an excellent idea. I'd be interested to help too Rarity, if that's ok. Your idea sounds fascinating.”

“Oh, thank you both!,” Rarity exclaimed. She beamed at Grim. “You are absolutely marvelous, darling. I could tell there was something special about you the moment I laid eyes on you, even if you were bloodied up a bit. On that topic, how are you feeling? I think my manners escaped me earlier, and I forgot to ask.”

“I am not sure of being special, but thank you all the same. And I am very well. Fluttershy's medical care is peerless. Even now, after a full recovery, she continues to mind my health.”

Fluttershy blushed. “One of the most important times for a patient is post-recovery. It wouldn't be right to let you go on your way after just waking up. It could be dangerous.”

Rarity laughed. “That's our Fluttershy. Precious, as always. So is that why you two are out today then? Grim's stretching his body out after being down for so long?”

“That's right. I thought it could be nice for him to come into town and meet all my friends. He wouldn't want to stay cooped up in my cottage. I also may have run out of food, so I needed to go shopping too.”

“That's sounds lovely, a short jaunt into town to stretch out and meet some new ponies. So Grim, what do you think so far?”

“Ponyville is a fine municipality,” Grim said with approval. “The ponies I have met thus far have been quite welcoming.”

“Wonderful. And whom have you met so far?”

“Well, as we were on our way into town, Rainbow Dash happened upon us. After that, we visited the market district to speak with Applejack concerning food stuffs. And now here we are with you.”

Rarity grinned. “When you say happened upon, do you mean Rainbow Dash crashed into you?”

Grim grinned softly back. “Applejack posed the same question. And yes, she did.”

“I knew it. Let's see, that's Rainbow, Applejack, myself...and Fluttershy of course.” Rarity addressed Fluttershy. “So what's your next stop then; the library, or Sugarcube Corner?”

“I was thinking the library. We'll pass that first, and I haven't seen Twilight in a while. After we see her, then we can go to Sugarcube Corner last.”

Grim was watching Rarity for any tells of mood change. He could deduce from past information gathered that Sugarcube Corner must be this Pinkie Pie's place of residence. There were only two friends left to meet now from the five, and Fluttershy had just made it known that Twilight Sparkle resided at the library. Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack had made mention of Pinkie Pie with a cautionary connotation. Rarity could unintentionally provide further confirmation of his suspicions. 

“That makes sense. And Twilight doesn't do well with visitors late in the day.” Rarity looked out one of the boutique's windows. The sun was still shining merrily, but it would soon turn orange signaling the fade of daytime. “You know, business has been slow today. It's almost closing time too. Would you mind if I joined you two on your way to Twilight's? I haven't seen her in a few days myself.”

Rarity's response was inconclusive. Grim had observed carefully her facial features and tone. She had remained passively neutral, leaning toward a positive disposition. There was nothing to be gleaned. Either she was oblivious, or was not willing to fuel his possible preconceptions. Grim tucked away his gut feelings, deciding to keep observing. 

“We'd be happy to have you along,” Fluttershy responded cheerfully. “But are you sure you want to close early? What if somepony wanted something at the last minute?”

“Oh it's fine.” Rarity had already moved to the front door and was switching her sign to “CLOSED”. “If they want something to wear, they should come earlier in the day anyway. Well, I'm ready when you are.”

The three ponies stepped out onto the pathway in front of Carousel Boutique. The air was mild, and  carried a diminished commotion from the direction of the market. A few townsfolk could be seen here and there, but it seemed most had made it back to their homes by now. Rarity led off toward what Grim calculated to be the edge of town. 

“Now do tell Grim; you said you're a soldier, yes? What particular type of soldier are you?”

“I am among the elite in the Royal Guard Division of the Pegasus Royal Air Corps.”

“That sounds so official, 'the elite'. And what does one do when out doing...soldier-y...things?,” Rarity asked with piqued interest. 

“Well, my duty mainly concerns creatures of a potentially dangerous nature. I-” Grim did not finish his statement. Something bolted down from the sky, landing right in the group's path, a distinct rainbow streak following the object. A dull thud resounded, and a small cloud of dust rose from the ground. Rarity gasped, Fluttershy squeaked, and Grim readied his wings. 

Rainbow recovered from her touchdown and flicked her tail coolly as if nothing had transpired. “Hey guys. I was just coming to track you down. What's up?”

“Rainbow Dash!,” Rarity scolded heatedly. “Just what do you think you're doing?”

“Pfft. Landing, duh.” Rainbow tossed her head flippantly. “What's it look like?”

“Ooh, you-”

“Why were you looking for us Rainbow?,” interjected Fluttershy. “Did you need something?”

“Nah. I was down at the library talking to Twilight, and mentioned old Grim here had woken up. She asked if I'd go and find you; said she'd like you to come by if you get the chance.”

“Well that was nice of her. We were just on our way to the library.”

“Cool.” Rainbow shot into the air and hovered. “I'll go tell her you're on your way then.”

Grim called after her, “Perhaps you would care to join us, Rainbow Dash? I presume the distance to the library is not far, and your company would be a welcome addition.”

“Sorry, but I was just going to tell Twilight, then bail. I got other stuff to do. Thanks though.” Rainbow gave a short salute. “Later.” And with that, she was off.

Once Rainbow had gone, Rarity began venting about the indignity of her actions. Fluttershy tried to talk Rarity down, but Grim paid the two little attention. He was immersed in thought about Rainbow's words and phrasing. 

'I surmised correctly, judging by her evasion of my suggestion. She tried to portray her purpose as casual, but it was more pointed than that. She used the words 'track down'. She also used 'you guys', not specific enough for Fluttershy and myself. She was looking for Rarity as well. An invitation from Twilight Sparkle, that is the key. If Rainbow Dash spoke to her previously, she would have known Fluttershy's plans from our meeting earlier. Why send a messenger after an eventuality? Unless she wanted to speak with Rarity in particular, and was on the lookout for Fluttershy and me. An invitation...one that Rarity was supposed to receive first. There are machinations at play here. Whatever awaits seems to be located at this library. I wonder-'

Fluttershy's voice penetrated Grim's inner dialog. “Grim? Are you alright?”

Grim snapped from his reverie. “I am. I simply drifted off, admiring the sky. Begging your pardon. Shall we continue then? We mustn't keep your friend waiting.”

Rarity and Fluttershy agreed, and they set forth again. The three soon came to a more open area, with houses less densely and orderly placed. Amid them was a very prominent willow tree that looked as though it had been fashioned into a liveable space. It had windows, a front door, even a balcony affixed with a large telescope. 

“That's the library there,” Fluttershy pointed out with a nod. “That's where Twilight is.”

“I'd imagine you and Twilight would get along swimmingly,” speculated Rarity. “She comes from Canterlot as well, you know. She's quite intelligent too, much like yourself. And if you enjoy books, she's compiled an excellent collection. She was even been able to find some books on fashion history for me once or twice.” 

“It has been some time since I have done any recreational reading. I may take the opportunity to peruse her selection.” Grim was forcing himself to remain cordial despite the mounting tightness in his chest. Part of him thought his entire reaction silly; he wasn't going into a combat or negotiation situation. If anything it was a simple welcoming gesture for him in light of his new arrival status. 

And yet he could not help himself. He had had more social interaction today than in the last six months. He was mentally exhausted, having to constantly evaluate the words and body language of unfamiliar ponies, and in turn  provide what would be considered a socially pleasing response. Grim was unsure as to how much more he could take, but he knew that if he wished to remain close to Fluttershy, to keep a chance at repaying his debt, he would have to behave on her terms. This obviously included ingratiating himself with her friends. 

Fluttershy made it to the library door first. “He we are, the Ponyville Library.” She put her hoof on the door handle, clicked it, and the door swung wide. She stepped through the entrance, followed by Rarity, with Grim bringing up the rear. 

Grim's eyes strained at the shift from daylight to indoors. The library was rather dimly lit Grim thought; an odd quality for a place such as a library. He took in the setting before him. The library truly was a hollowed out tree. Rows and rows of books were organized around the inside, their shelves cut into the wood of the tree itself, and the floor flowed with the grains and biotic patterns of the tree's heartwood.  There was not much in the way of furniture or settings in which to read. Grim assumed this meant it was not much of a reference library. 

'And yet there should be someone here,' Grim suddenly realized. 'Where is your eagerness, Twilight Sparkle, if you do not come to greet your guests? What are you planning?'

As if cued by Grim's query, the lights in the room came to life. Grim's eyes darted left and right, trying to find the unseen resident, and then-

BOOOM!!

Rarity shrieked. Fluttershy fell to the floor, covering her ears. Grim shot into the air, sending forth a mighty gust of wind. His armor reformed into the combat ready mode by instinct, the yolk sliding out to cover his breast, back, and flanks, his wings and bracers transforming almost instantly. Without thinking he readied to extend the blades in either wing, and cast his eyes methodically in search of a target. Then something interrupted his vision, and his instincts ground to a halt. A small square of blue paper floated down from somewhere in front of his face, and landed on his nose. Another square, this one pink, floated down after, missing his nose and heading to the floor whilst being swept by the beat of his wings. 

Grim looked up, and saw a veritable cloud of small, brightly colored squares slowly descending upon him. He recognized it as something known as confetti. Utter confusion gripped the pegasus, so much so that his will to fight left him. To add to the confusion a loud burst of laughter pierced the silent, confetti-filled aftermath of the boom, seemingly coming from all directions. Now that Grim was in the air he could see that the library had a raised loft area, and his eye fixed upon something moving within. 

A flamboyantly pink earth pony with an absurdly curled mane and tail hopped onto the edge of the loft, laughing madly. She fixed on Grim with a look of wild mirth, and with a feat of tremendous agility  bounded from the loft onto his back. Through her laughter she put her face right next to Grim's and yelled “Surprise! I thought your welcome could use a little bit of a bang!”

Grim was torn between indignation and sheer bewilderment. “What madness is this?”

“Pinkie Pie!,” came another, more practical voice from the loft. “I told you to not fire the cannon until after we yelled surprise. He's probably been scarred!”

Pinkie Pie stood up straight on Grim's back and amused herself with the falling confetti. “But my way was so much more fun. Doesn't that make it the better way?”

“Not if you cause emotional trauma,” the practical voice said reprovingly. Grim looked back at the loft. Three more ponies were standing on the edge, previously hidden from view. Two of them he had already met. Applejack was viewing the whole situation rather abashedly with her stetson cradled to her chest, and Rainbow Dash was clearly near breaking into a fit of laughter to match Pinkie Pie's. 

The third pony Grim did not know. She was a unicorn with a purple coat and darker purple mane and tail streaked with pink. Grim deduced that this must be Twilight Sparkle. He had never actually met her during his years in Canterlot, despite frequent personal meetings with Celestia. Grim knew she was Celestia's prized pupil of magic, and she looked the part to a trained eye. Her mane and tail were neatly kept and styled with practicality, the end features cut straight but not unattractively so. Her bangs fell at a longer length than her friends', and most likely hid a more pronounced forehead. Her physique was slight, slighter even than Fluttershy's, but her neck was thicker, most likely a result of protracted amounts of time indoors reading. She addressed Grim.

“I'm so sorry we startled you. Pinkie tends to be enthusiastic when it comes to welcoming parties. We didn't mean any harm.”

“Welcoming party?,” said Pinkie through blowing around small colored squares. “No Twilight, this isn't the welcoming party. There'll be way more ponies to come for that one. This is the glad-you-got-up-from-your-coma party!”

“He wasn't in a coma Pinkie. And even if he was, how is using a cannon to surprise a recent coma patient a good idea?!”

“It gives his wake up that extra kick. Duh.”

“Pink, git down off the poor fella's back,” ordered Applejack in exasperation. “First ya scare the tar out of 'im, then ya stand all over 'im. What're ya doin'?”

“Oops. Sorry.” Pinkie jumped down to the library floor, then noticed her two other friends in their recovery from the cannon shock. “Oh hey Rarity! I didn't think you were gonna make it before the guest of honor got here. I'm glad you got here in time. I knew you'd come though Fluttershy. You wouldn't let somepony recovering like that out of your sight. Looks like your healing know-how is sharp as always. Uh, why are you on the floor?”

Rarity helped Fluttershy to her hooves. “Because you scarred the living daylights out of us Pinkie Pie, that's why. Why in the world would you use the party cannon inside the library without warning?!”

“Because it's more fun when it's a surprise,” Pinkie giggled. “And I think you might be exaggerating Rarity. I know you have magic, but I don't think you've got daylight inside you.”

Twilight Sparkle and Applejack took the stairs from the loft, and Rainbow Dash winged her way down to join the others. Grim watched them all as they moved. His nerves were thoroughly frayed, his patience was at the breaking point, and he didn't know if he could cope with any more surprises. When the six friends had all gathered together they stopped and eyed Grim with expectation, but Grim made no move to descend. 

Sensing Grim's trepidation, Fluttershy assumed a calming demeanor. “Grim? You can come down now. I think that was the one and only surprise, right Pinkie Pie?”

“It was the only one I had planned, but if you want more I've got them!”

“NO,” came a chorus from the other five friends. 

Twilight spoke up. “Really, it's alright. We organized this little get together to make you feel more at ease. We know you're just coming out of an awful state, and we thought this might help, even if it sort of did the opposite at the beginning. We'd just like to talk, and get to know you better. That's all. Fair?”

As a negotiator, Grim could appreciate Twilight's almost diplomatic approach. There was also a very hopeful looking Fluttershy standing next to her, which gave him little other choice. He acquiesced, and slowed his beat. The confetti that now littered the floor was swept in a large radius as Grim cushioned his landing with a final thrust. He stood with his customary posture, folded his wings, and faced the six mares before him.  

“Thank you for understanding. I'm Twilight Sparkle.”

“And I'm Pinkie Pie,” Pinkie said as she hopped in place next to Twilight. “Your name's Grim, right?”

Grim bowed, though he rather disliked the thought of letting Pinkie Pie out of his line of sight. “Correct. My name is Grim. I am...pleased...to make your acquaintances.”

“It's nice to meet you as well,” Twilight returned with a nod and a smile.

“Yeah. I had a real blast,” Pinkie snorted. The others gave Pinkie reproachful looks, but she didn't seem to notice. Twilight pressed forward with the conversation. 

“So Grim, I know you've told a few of us bits and pieces, but I was hoping you'd be willing to go through some things one more time. Would it be alright if you answered a few questions for us? If you don't want to talk about something, you can just say so. Is that ok?”

Grim mulled this proposal. He supposed there would be little harm in giving them information. Most of what they wished to know he had likely already told Fluttershy anyway. “I will do my best to answer what you ask of me. What is it you would like to know?”

“Well, I think the first question would have to be what happened to you that day you arrived at Fluttershy's. Don't take this the wrong way, but you were in awful shape when we first saw you. And that was after Fluttershy had that first night to clean you up. What happened?”

“I was performing the duties of my post. I am an elite officer in the Pegasus Royal Air Corps, Royal Guard Division.”

“You're a Royal Guard?,” Twilight asked with a hint of wonderment. 

“Is that supposed to be something extra special?,” piped up Rarity.

“It is. The Royal Guard Division is the best of the best. It pulls from all three military branches; the Pegasus Royal Air Corps, The Royal Corps of Magical Enforcement, and The Royal Terrestrial Army. There are different classes, like palace guard and Celestia's personal guard, but each one is hoof picked by the princess or one of her closest advisers. Most ponies only dream about being a Royal Guard, and the pegasi are especially known for their harsh training and tactics.”

“You are correct, Twilight Sparkle. There is no contention that the Royal Guards are the premier force of the military's ranks.” Grim was developing an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. It appeared that Twilight knew more than he previously would have postulated. 

“That is so cool,” volunteered Rainbow Dash. “I had no idea there was anything like that for the military. But wait. If you're so elite, then how come you got beaten up like you did?”

A pulse of aggravation shot through Grim's mind, but he remained cool. “I was out on mission in the Everfree forest. My post requires me to liaise with any and all types of creatures that may present or have presented a threat to citizens of Equestria, but my specialty is the dragon. I tracked an accused dragon to a mountain cave in the forest when I was attacked, by both the suspect and what I can only assume to be his mate.”

“You got attacked by two dragons? And you made it back alive? You think you might be making that up just a little bit?,” asked Rainbow sardonically. 

Grim had to think of a way to snuff Rainbow's suspicion. He could not deal with any dissent in his present state. He somberly settled on the only idea he could conjure. “What I say is true. If you do not believe me, then perhaps the tale of my body will better convince you.” Grim willed his armor to retract. The plates clinked and brushed mildly, the sounds mixing with soft wows from Rainbow, Applejack, Twilight, and Pinkie. He faced to his left and presented both his right legs. 

“The scars you see here were born from that battle. These are only the most recent.” Grim pulled back his lank mane to reveal a longitudinal gash down his neck. “This was made by the claw of an elder dragon. I am told I lost a quarter of the blood in my body that day.” He then stood fully on his hinds. He separated the coat on his chest  with his front legs. Underneath was a series of linear scars, two rows of six like tally marks, squarely over his ribs. “This is the result of leaving yourself open by flying directly at a dragon's face.” Grim dropped back to his regular stance. “Does this address your doubt, or should I continue?”

Rainbow cringed. “No, that's cool. I didn't mean to doubt. It just sounded kinda out there at first. But I believe you now.”

“I am sorry if I caused you discomfort. That was not my intent.”

“I got a question.” Applejack raised her hoof in a schoolhouse manner. “How'd you make yer armor do that? I never seen anythin' like it.”

“My armor possesses magical properties. Suffice it to say, it is enchanted to shift itself according to my will. I can control it with mere thought.”

“I had some questions about that as well.” Twilight raised a hoof like Applejack. “I got the chance to examine your armor while you were unconscious. I was trying to maybe get some clues as to who you were. I found a lot of small runic inscriptions on different parts of it, but none to the runes made sequential sense. What kind of enchantments does it hold, and how did you enchant it with your runes out of order?”

“That is a very good and interesting question.” Grim could not help but smile, if only a bit. “If your interest is analytical rather than functional, as I am sure your arcane knowledge warrants, I am afraid it is a question best saved for another, more leisurely time. I would be happy, however, to fully satiate your interest at such a time.”

Pinkie Pie waved her hoof in the air eagerly. “Ooh, ooh, I wanna do one! I wanna ask a question! Uuum....oh, I know. Why do you talk so funny?”

The other friends rolled their eyes at this query, but Grim was regaining his conversational footing and chose to answer with politeness. “Is my speech odd to you? Forgive me. My duty as a Guard usually does not allow for much interaction with others. My mannerisms have developed over the years from diplomacy and presentations of formal reports at Canterlot Palace.” 

“That is where you come from then? From Canterlot?,” asked Rarity.

“Yes. That is where my quarters are located, and where I present mission reports and am assigned new missions.”

“If that's the case, then do you need to report back to the palace anytime soon? Will your superiors be worried about you? It has been at least two weeks.”

Fluttershy saved Grim the trouble of answering this time. “Oh no. I mean, he may feel fine, and that's wonderful, but he's not ready to be let go yet. I'll need at least another week to make sure he's back to full health.”

“Under any other circumstance I would gauge my own health, and terminate medical care as I saw fit. However, Fluttershy has been exceedingly altruistic and thorough. I would be at fault to not follow her advice until she is satisfied,” Grim affirmed. “My rank also affords me a great deal of latitude regarding ways and means of my missions. There is no cause for concern.”

“Alright. Well, I have a pretty convenient way of reporting directly to Princess Celestia if you ever need it,” offered Twilight. “And now that I say that, where is he anyway? Spike? SPIKE? How are those snacks coming?”

“I'm bringing them out now Twilight,” someone called from somewhere out of sight. A door at the back of the library swung open, and a large serving cart wheeled its way through the threshold, seemingly by itself. At first Grim thought this to be some sort of magic, but as the cart drew near he could see a small purple body pushing behind it. To his astonishment a diminutive, scaly creature stepped away from the cart as it stopped; it was a baby dragon. 

Applejack trotted over to the cart, her eyes alight with hunger. “This is great Spike. What've we got goin' here? I'm starved.”

“Well, a little bit of everything really.” Spike began to name things off with his claws. “We've got chips and salsa. There's daisy sandwich squares and haycakes for light snacks. And if you want sweets we've got cupcakes, double-baked peanut butter brownies, and those two full cakes that I'm not totally sure Pinkie Pie took from Sugarcube Corner with permission.”

Rainbow Dash swooped upon the cart and snatched a brownie into her mouth. “Brownies are awesome,” she confirmed thickly.

Pinkie Pie bounded across the room joyfully. “Alright girls, the food has been served. It's definitely a party now!” She slammed her hoof on a nearby music machine which promptly came to life. A mild, upbeat tune filled the room. “Let's boogie!”

Having finished her brownie, Rainbow joined Pinkie near the music machine, and the two began to dance. Twilight helped herself to a cupcake next to Applejack, and even Rarity took a nibble from a sandwich square. Grim stood in place, unsure of what to do other than observe the situation. He was pondering the miniature dragon at the snack cart when he felt a soft poke just above his right knee. He was surprised to find the dragon staring up at him, a genial expression on his face. 

“Hey. You're the new guy right? The pegasus that Fluttershy's been taking care of?”

“That is correct.”

“Cool. Name's Spike. What's up?” Spike held out a set of claws. 

Grim put forth a hoof and the two shook, though Spike's claws couldn't wrap around the hoof entirely. “Fascinating,” Grim uttered to himself. His response did not really match with Spike's greeting.

“What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a dragon before?”

Grim let out a short bark of a laugh. “I have, actually. I have met many dragons in my time, but none quite so intriguing as yourself Mr. Spike. Ah, but forgive me. I have forgotten myself. My name is Grim. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise,” Spike said, though he looked rather unsure if he meant it yet. “I heard the party cannon go off a little while ago. Pinkie Pie didn't scare you too bad I hope?”

“It did make a distinct first impression, but the initial shock wore away quickly. There was no harm done.”

“That's good. You're feeling better then, I guess. Did you get the grand tour of Ponyville today? Not that there's anything grand about Ponyville.”

“I was shown a few locations. And I would not say that. From what I have seen, Ponyville is a peaceful, friendly community. I would choose it over many of the larger cities I have visited.” 

“You haven't been here long enough yet. Give it time; there's usually some crazy situation going on around town, and they're usually in on it somehow.” Spike pointed in the general direction of the mares. “By the way, where'd you come from? I heard you guys talking earlier, but couldn't make much out from the kitchen.”

“I am from Canterlot. My residence is the barracks inside the Royal Palace.”

“A soldier huh? That's cool. Twilight and I lived in Canterlot for a while, before we moved here. The guards there were always kinda stiff, but they were always nice too.”

A spark of curiosity lit in Grim's eyes. “Inform me if I am being too bold Spike, but what is your connection with Twilight Sparkle?”

“Oh, Twilight and I go way back. We've been friends since I was hatched. She was just a filly then. She always spent her time in the library looking for books, or reading ones she'd found. I don't recall how, but I eventually just became her assistant. It's been like that sine I can remember.”

“I see. And what is it that you do in your assistantship?”

“A little bit of everything I guess. I help Twilight organize the library. I help make and check lists. Twilight's a big fan of lists. I keep her calendar and appointments, do scheduling, go shopping. Oh, and I do chores and things, like clean up. Which reminds me-” Spike looked over and inspected the serving cart. Anything that had not been eaten had been removed and placed on a couple of nearby tables. “Yeah, I gotta get back to the kitchen and start cleanup. But hey, it was great talking to you.”

“The honor has been mine. But do you not wish to stay and enjoy the revelry?”

“The what? Oh, the party. Nah, parties aren't my thing. They tire me out. I'll be seeing ya Grim. If you plan to stick around Ponyville for a while, I'm sure we'll see each other soon.”

“Until next time, then.”

Spike put up his arm in farewell, then took the serving cart and wheeled it back into the kitchen. “Absolutely astounding,” Grim muttered. “A dragon youngling, brought up around ponykind. Fully integrated into society, with a matured grasp of social discourse, organizational skills, interpersonal relationships and sense of self. I wonder if he has an idea of the magnitude of his uniqueness.”

Grim continued to contemplate Spike and their conversation when Fluttershy came up and tapped him on the shoulder. The crème pegasus proffered a plate stacked with a couple of daisy sandwich squares and a haycake. “I'm so sorry Grim. I hadn't even thought about it until now, but you haven't eaten anything all day. Here, I know you're hungry.”

Grim took the plate appreciatively. “Thank you, Fluttershy. You are very kind to continue to think of me.” 

“It's nothing. But- um- Grim...” A faded happiness played lightly across Fluttershy's face, but her eyes were glassy with oncoming tears. “I- I'm so sorry. I owe you an apology.”

“And why would you think that?,” Grim asked after eating his haycake whole.

“Well, it's just...I knew there was a party coming,” Fluttershy blurted. “I've known Pinkie Pie a really long time, and I knew the second that Rainbow Dash flew away after meeting us that she'd tell Pinkie Pie, and there would be a party. I didn't really lie to you, but I avoided the truth because you had already said you were nervous about going into town, and a party like this would be the last thing you would want. I didn't want you to feel any more anxious than you already were, and I hoped that once you actually got to the party that it wouldn't be so bad. And I'm sorry about not telling you, and about the party cannon, and about not feeding you breakfast, and- I'm just sorry.”

Grim put aside his sandwich squares on a nearby table and laid a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. “Fluttershy, there is no need for remorse. I was admittedly suspicious that something was amiss from the beginning, and I was completely aware something was coming after our second encounter with Rainbow Dash. You did what you believed was right, what you believed would in some way protect me. I do not begrudge you for your actions, for they were honorable, if perhaps flawed. For the future, you need only to be honest with me. I can assure you that I am very capable.” Grim removed his hoof. “Does that assuage your distress?”

Fluttershy squeaked and nodded. “It does. I'm glad you're so understanding. Thank you. But you knew the whole time something was going to happen?”

“I did not know for certain. After both Rainbow Dash and Applejack mentioned Pinkie Pie by name, I made a connection. After Rainbow Dash caught us on the road, it was clear that some sort of plan was set in place for me. I must say, I believed myself prepared. But nothing could have prepared me for the 'party cannon' I believe it was called.”

“That's Pinkie. Never a dull moment. She did it to make you feel happy and welcome though, even if it may not have turned out that way.” Fluttershy paused. “Are you sure you're ok?”

“I am. Do not worry.”

The party lasted for several hours, well after sunset. Grim chose to abstain from most of the festivities, such as dancing and balloon popping. Pinkie attempted multiple times to get him to sing a song with her, but was denied outright. In the beginning Grim did not show much zeal in the way of partying, but each of Fluttershy's friends were delighted when Grim expressed interest in their individual talents. Pinkie Pie received a chance to gleefully explain the inner workings of her party cannon. Applejack bent his ear for a time about agriculture and food industry economics. Rarity was eager to begin discussion of her collapsible fashions, but was interrupted by Rainbow Dash wanting to know about Royal Guard training, and Twilight proudly showed off the selection she had built up in her library. 

Twilight was in the middle of explaining her research into teleportation magic when Fluttershy came up to join them. She put her hoof over her mouth and yawned widely. “Oh my, I'm so sorry Twilight. I don't mean to interrupt, but I think it's about time Grim and I head home. It's getting late.”

“Is it?” Twilight referenced a clock on the wall. “Oh my gosh, you're right. I didn't realize.”

“We did'n' either,” said Applejack as she walked up, followed by Rarity. “It's been a real nice time Twi', but we reckon we gotta head out. Business hours'll come early t'mara.”

“Yes dear, I'm afraid this is goodnight. Thank you ever so much for having us though. We should do this again soon.”

Pinkie Pie zipped in between Rarity and Applejack and put her front legs around their necks. “Oh don't worry, we will. This was Grim's glad-you-got-up-from-your-coma party. We've still got his official Welcome-to-Ponyville party to do!”

“Is one party not enough?,” asked Grim with fatigue.

“Are you loco in the coco? You can never have enough parties!”

Everyone collectively agreed that it was time to head out for the evening. Twilight bid farewell after her guests had all exited the library, and they began to go their separate ways. Grim and Fluttershy decided to fly back to the cottage, and they lifted off to begin the journey. They had not gone far when they were stopped unexpectedly by Rainbow Dash. 

“Hey you guys, can you wait up a sec?”

Fluttershy was fading fast. She was having trouble keeping her eyes open. “Hm? What is it Rainbow?”

“Hey, Grim. Listen I- I want to say I'm sorry- about before.”

Grim looked at Rainbow with confusion. “Before? What do you mean, Rainbow Dash?”

“From before. You know, when I sorta crashed into you. And when I sorta didn't believe you about the whole dragon thing. I thought about it, and I was wrong to do those things. I'm pretty fast, but my mouth is sometimes faster, you know? Anyway, I wanted to say...I'm sorry.”

“Your actions are honorable, Rainbow Dash. I admit, given my impression of you, I would not have expected this. I accept your apology.” Grim held out a hoof. “And I extend my friendship, if you will have it.”

Rainbow took Grim's hoof, this time shaking it. “You got it.” She flew higher into the air and wheeled around. “I'll be seeing you guys. And don't think I forgot about that race Grim. I'll be pressuring you real soon.” With that, Rainbow disappeared into the night. 

“That was sweet of her,” Fluttershy commented after Rainbow was out of sight. “My friends like you, you know.”

“Do you truly think so?”

“I do. I could tell at the party. I'm really glad you let me bring you to town today Grim.”

“I am glad you made the effort to introduce me to your friends. But it has been a trying day. I believe a good night's rest is in order.” The two pegasi glided gently on the nocturnal air. It was a clear, crisp night, and Luna's moon shone especially bright. Perhaps it was the moon, perhaps it was the relief of having made it through the day, but Grim's spirits were high. As he flew toward Fluttershy's cozy little cottage he could not help but think, 'Maybe there is a chance for me here. Maybe. Maybe...'