//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: Midnight Green 
// by Voyd211 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 2

Midnight managed to piece together some of his possessions, which seemed to mostly be useless and impractical for a traveler; heavy tackle, pictures, various objects that couldn't hold much more than sentimental value. Only a few actually seemed to be useful to his trade, which included a microphone, an easel, plenty of parchment, and a black bundle that he kept hidden from the ponies around him.
Twilight was somewhat confused by him. The first thing he did after getting his cargo together was attempting to rebuild his cart into a sort of house, although this quickly met with failure; Twilight recalled the sorry state his cart was in, and realized that this was probably how it had ended up as such. Midnight's construction and repair skills were nigh-nonexistent,  and his shack more resembled a pile of firewood than anything else the first try. After four attempts, each worse than the last, Applejack decided to bring Big Macintosh, who deigned to build the shack himself. It more resembled an actual house than the last few attempts.
Midnight was beside himself. “Thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou givemeaminutetothinkofhowIcanpayyouback” This was a rather surprising reaction, since previously Midnight had been nothing but snide and cynical; now he was a good deal happier. 
“How can you pay me back fer building you a little shelter? Don't think nuthin' of it.”
“It doesn't have to be me paying you, or working for you. I just thought of something, give me a few hours or so.”

–

Just as the sun started going down, Twilight and Rarity put the finishing touches on an ice sculpture of the princesses. Rarity looked proudly at the beautiful work of art. “My, isn't it just darling? It's so beautiful, especially with the sun shining through it.” Twilight couldn't help but agree with her, with sunlight dancing through the perfectly made sculpture.
“Meh, it'd be prettier by moonlight.” Rarity whirled around, stung by the comment. Midnight was standing there, with a roll of parchment on his back. “But I didn't come here to insult anyone. Where's the big red earth pony?”
Twilight quickly responded. “Big Macintosh? He's over at Sweet Apple Acres, but why do you need him?” Midnight gestured at the scroll on his back with his head. “This is his payment.” Without another word, he headed off.... in the exact opposite direction to Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity stared after him with a face like thunder.
“I will not stand here and be insulted by a newcomer, an amateur!”
Twilight snickered. “I can already imagine his reaction to that. 'Then sit down, or stand somewhere else, and I'll insult you there!” Rarity could not help but giggle at that. “Oh dear... and he went in the wrong direction. I think Fluttershy will be surprised. Ah well, let's go see how they're doing with the lights.” They strolled to the library, as the sun went down on Ponyville.