III:
The two ponies began walking to Twilight’s library. Crescent was purposely hiding that fact that she was blind from the other ponies. She didn’t want to burden them, but more importantly, she wanted to prove to herself that she could go about life independently. Crescent made idle conversation with Twilight as they walked so that she could follow the sound of her voice. Even though she did this, Crescent still bumped into the occasional market stand or loitering ponies. She apologized accordingly and recovered herself in these situations. Twilight would occasionally look back and ask if Crescent was alright.
“Wow, Crescent, you must really be tired. You’re stumbling into everything.”
“Um, yeah. I’m really tired.”
“Well, we’re almost there. Do you see that large tree over there?” Twilight pointed her hoof in the direction of her library.
“Umm, yes I see it.” Crescent lied.
Twilight lowered her voice a little and looked at Crescent sympathetically.
“Crescent, you didn’t even look up…”
A tear fell from Crescent’s face and fell to the grass. Twilight put an arm around her to calm her.
“So, you know?” Crescent asked as another tear fell.
“I had guessed. I didn’t mean to--” She was interrupted.
“It’s fine. Just don’t tell anypony else.”
“Why not? If you’re… you know… you’ll need some help.”
“I don’t want to talk about this right now. Can we just go inside?”
“Yeah, sure thing; straight ahead”
They both began to walk forward. Twilight kept her arm around Crescent to guide her. They came up on the library’s front door and Twilight removed her arm from Crescent’s shoulder and opened the door. Crescent stepped inside and took a deep breath.
“Is this… a tree we’re in?” Crescent asked.
“Yes, it’s my home and a library, built into this tree.” Twilight stated proudly.
“I could smell it.”
“Does it smell bad?” Twilight sniffed the air.
“Oh, no. It smells like a tree. I like it. Three sides of Trottston is a huge forest.”
“I guess you’re right. I’ve lived here so long I’ve gotten used to the smell, I suppose.” Twilight laughed a little. “Would you like me to walk you to your room?”
“Oh, would you please?”
“Sure thing.”
Twilight guided Crescent across the room and into a door way. She took Crescent’s hoof and placed it on a bed.
“Here’s your bed. Spike sleeps in my room, so you won’t have to worry about any disruptions.”
“Thanks for all of this, Twilight. I mean, you didn’t have to do this for me. You don’t even know me.”
“I know I didn’t have to. But I could tell that something was wrong when I saw you with the others.”
“Well, thanks again. I’m going to go to sleep. I really need it.”
“No problem. I’ll just shut this door.” Twilight began to leave the room. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“Okay.”
Twilight shut the door softly as Crescent crawled under the blankets. She was asleep as soon as she set her head on the pillow. Twilight went back to her study and pulled a thick, purple book with the image of an eye printed on the cover off the shelf and began to read.