*Knock knock*
The sharp raps on the front door of Maretime Bay’s lighthouse barely registered in Argyle Starshine’s exhausted mind. It had been a full week since the day he had carried his daughter through that same door for the first time, on the day that was simultaneously the best and worst of his entire life. His beloved Sunny Starscout had entered the world on that glorious day, but his joy had been shattered when he learned he would be forced to raise her on his own.
*Knock knock knock*
Since that day, his life had become a shambles. It was all he could do to keep the lighthouse operational while still caring for a newborn foal. There was no longer any time for hobbies, for friends, for any activity he could call his own. Sunny came first; he had promised this to his friend Paisley. But even without the promise he still would have known: she truly was the most important thing in his life. The lighthouse came second; commerce was an integral part of Maretime Bay’s economy, and cargo ships relied on the light it provided to make their way to the city. Any additional time left to him was spent in fitful rest, barely enough for him to be able to fulfill his obligations the next day.
*Knock knock* “Argyle? It’s Paisley! Can I come in?”
Argyle finally recognized that somepony was at his front door. If the caller was anypony else, he would have ignored them in favor of grabbing a few fleeting moments of shut-eye before his responsibilities called him away. But Paisley was different. His best friend ever since they had first met as foals, he knew Paisley would understand what he was going through. He could pour out his heart to his friend, ask him for any favor, or simply sit and rest while Paisley watched over him. Paisley wouldn’t judge; he would stand, supportive, the way he had always done.
Argyle raised himself from the couch and wearily trotted over to the door. He pulled it open and was greeted by Paisley, who sported a bound book in his hoof and a concerned smile on his face.
“How are you holding up, Argyle?”
“Not great, Paisley. Not great.”
“Is this a bad time? I can come back later if you want,” Paisley said, peering past Argyle to the disheveled room behind him.
“Sunny’s asleep and the lighthouse isn’t actively collapsing. I don’t think there will be a better time anytime soon.” Argyle beckoned his friend in, and the two headed straight for the couch. Argyle collapsed into his previous spot with an exhausted sigh, and Paisley gently lowered himself so as to not disturb his friend.
They sat together in silence for a few minutes before Paisley finally spoke again. “Argyle, I know this week has been terrible for you. I know losing Juniper is weighing on you terribly; I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost Flora.”
Argyle let out a pained sob, and Paisley saw tears beginning to form at the corner of his friend’s eyes. “I know, Argyle, I know. I miss her too.” Paisley reached a comforting foreleg around his friend before continuing, “But I didn’t come here to remind you of what you lost. I’ve got something with me that I think might just brighten your day!”
Argyle sighed deeply. “If anypony can brighten my day, it’d be you. What is it?” he asked cautiously.
“Well.” Paisley removed his hoof from around Argyle’s shoulder and sat up straight. “Do you remember that manuscript you showed me the day before Sunny was born?” Argyle shook his head no. “The one you were so excited about? The one that talked about the ponies from another land, and all the different creatures? The story of the Zephyrites?”
“Right, that one,” Argyle responded, his eyes still closed against the tears. He sighed again. “What about it?”
“I did some digging in the library this past week, Argyle. I thought maybe I could find something else about the Zephyrites, maybe take your mind off everything that’s happened. And did I ever! This book here,” Paisley said, balancing the book in question on one hoof, “is another chronicle! Not only that, but it takes place before the one you found! It’s entirely about the Zephyrites’ homeland! It’s exactly what you wanted to learn!”
“Paisley,” Argyle said, annoyedly, “I thought you told me that manuscript was pure fantasy. And didn’t you say I needed to focus on Sunny above everything else?”
“Argyle, you’ve been doing nothing but focusing on Sunny since she was born. I said she needed to be your first priority, not your only priority. Now, you need to take time for yourself.”
Argyle let out an exasperated sigh and looked over to his friend. “Paisley, I don’t have time! I’m barely able to get enough sleep, and now you expect me to read this new manuscript you found? I’m sorry, but no. Not. Happening.”
“I thought you might say that,” Paisley responded with a grin. “So I came up with a compromise. You stay right there, Argyle, and rest. I’ll read the manuscript. All you have to do is listen. Sound fair?”
Argyle gave a weak smile in response. “All right, Paisley.” He closed his eyes again and laid back against the couch. “I guess there's no harm in listening. Let’s hear it.”
“Excellent choice.” Paisley opened the book and began: “This particular book is called…”