Fenrir and the Crusaders moved through the Everfree, pausing now and then to give Apple Bloom her lessons. He often advised the other two as well. Sweetie, how her verbal and singing skills could be used for effects both fair and foul, as both a Siren and a Muse. Scootaloo he challenged to expand on her dance abilities as well as take her Pegasi powers into different areas. He brought up the point that a gift for dance also meant a gift for movement, and even a Pegasi that was incapable of flight, could still manipulate weather. To all three he gave equal attention, so that boredom would never showcase its many temptations. Thus they came to a small town, just as the sun began to set.
"Ah hell! I'll never get home on time now, my sister will be fit to spit." Applebloom Lamented
"If I may inquire where is the destination of thy desire?"
"I have to get back to Sweet Apple Acres, on the outskirts of town."
"What of You two, tell me true, how close to your homes doth we roam." Fenris asked Sweetie and Scootaloo.
Sweetie pointed at what looked like a pile of sewing equipment. "My house is just over there, I can get there before dark, no problem."
Scootaloo Pointed to an average looking house. "Mine is just over there, It won't really be that big a deal either."
"Then a solution I have found, me and Applebloom, will to her homestead be inbound, You and Sweetie, get to your own, so that your caretakers will not bemoan." The two other girls said their goodbyes as they made their way towards their respective destinations.
"Lead the way, young mare, but have a care. Dark is on its way and late it is getting for you to play."
"It's just up that road, a bit. Say, I reckon I owe you for giving today's lesson, I don't think I would be outta line to offer you some apple pie when we get to my home. Then I could introduce you to my family."
Fenrir Chuckled. "To me Applebloom child, you do not owe. It was my duty as Zecora's guest to bestow."
"Say What?"
Fenrir Shook his head, "What does thee not get? My Host's duties where unmet, As her Guest my job was known, so your lesson from me was shown."
"I get it now, that's right honourable of ya," here Applebloom smirked, "And if it happens to make Zecora more favorable to ya.....?" The young mare let the question fade, a grin upon her face.
"Yes, Yes, You're very smart, for you to guess an old wolf's heart." Fenrir Groused back.
His nose picked up the smell of apples, signifying their closeness to the farm. As they entered the Orchard, so did another smell, one that made him growl. One that had tricked him before. One he thought never to smell again.
"Hey, You okay?" Applebloom glanced back, her new friend seemed angry, angry and afraid. Glancing around, she saw nothing, but her home. "Fenrir, what's going on?"
Fenrir took a breath, Tyr was not here. He was dead. Fenrir had killed him. There where no swords or chains. This little one just needed to get home. "Sorry, Bloom, I thought I smelled one that had sent me to my doom. One that raised as his son, only to use lies to betray this one."
The little mare looked sad for a moment, but Fenrir scruffled her hair, and shoved her on her way.
"Enough of this old Wolves sadness, I see those waiting with gladness."
Applebloom turned and indeed saw her home just up ahead, lights were on, with Granny on the porch in her rocker. "Well I better get going, lest they tan my hide, You sure you don't want some Pie? Its a long walk back to Zecora's"
Fenrir was tempted but the closer they got to that house the more the smell invaded his nostrils. His instincts screamed to run back to the Everfree, he was exposed and getting jittery.
"Maybe another time, little one. Back to the forest I must run. Zecora's hangover did not end, so to her I must attend." Again that smell it seemed to be getting closer. "Go to your home and when you are in their arms, I will roam back, knowing you are safe from harm. And I must confess, who I smell puts me in some distress. Its a silly fear, born in chains, but it doth lear, and never again."
Shaking her head Appleboom ran to her front porch. True to his word, Fenrir watched as she was embraced by the older mare and was taken inside. He turned to leave as the smell became over powering and he turned to run but a strong looking mare stepped out of the grove. The smell emanated from her.
"Woah, I mean you no harm," The blond haired mare said, her hands held high, "I heard it all and just wanted to thank you for bringing my sister home. I worry about her a bit more then I should."
Fenrir nodded, "it was no issue, but I must flee from here and you."
The Mare nodded, "Because I smell of this person that betrayed you. I get ya, ain't gonna stop or seek to bind you" She snorted. "Honestly, it'll do my heart good to know that she has someone that can protect her in the Everfree. And even if we can't be friends, I did want to thank you."
His nose screamed that Tyr was before him, to attack, to kill. He closed his eyes, took a breath, he was not a monster, he was in control of himself. He opened his eyes and the mare had not moved, just stood and given him time, in no way trying to hinder his escape. He nodded his thanks and sped off. The night enshrouding him, hiding fear that still quaked within.