Applebloom couldn't believe her eyes. Right in front of her was standing a real, living wolf. He was looking pretty much like Winona but bigger and more dangerous. He had black fur with white stripe from muzzle to chest and no mane. He also had big claws on his paws. Applebloom noticed that he was about her height.
Zecora had told her a lot about his race. Wolves are very dangerous. They have sharp claws, huge teeth and strong legs. This one must be very young.
Zecora also told her that wolves eat meat. That was the most scary thing about him. She didn't know if he want to kill and eat her. Anyway she wanted to talk with him. If he attacks her she will run away. She was very fast.
He looked like he wouldn't attack. He was just sitting there, his head hanging low, his eyes closed. Applebloom looked at him. She decided to break the silence.
"Um... My name's Applebloom. What's yours?" She asked in the most calm and friendly tone she could muster.
The wolf opened his eyes and looked at her. His eyes were dark brown, almost black. He blinked few times and smiled, showing his teeth. they weren't like Zecora described. They were big, but not as sharp as she expected. They were almost like her own. Moment later the wolf spoke
"I'm Gabriel"
Applebloom smiled. Not because she was happy. This name was funny for her. Very unusual and weird. Gabriel didn't seem to notice this.
"You are not afraid of me?" He asked. His voice as very happy now. It remind her of Scootaloo's voice when she talked about Rainbow Dash.
"Of course not. There's no reason why I should be afraid of you." She said smiling kindly.
His smile disappeared with a blink of an eye. "So you don't know what I am?" He asked sadly. He thought that if she knew what a wolf was, she would run away. He didn't want her to go. Finally he could talk with somepony. She seemed very nice. He hadn't had any company in a few weeks and he didn't want to scare her.
Finally she said something that surprised him.
"I know". She started walking towards him, what surprised him even more. If she knew what he was, why is she not scared? 'Maybe she thinks that I'm some weird-looking pony?' He thought.
Applebloom came closer and sat next to him.
"You are a wolf"
Now he was fully surprised. She continued.
"But I know you won't hurt me. I can see now that you are not bad"
It was something new to him. They have known each other for a few minutes and she already trusted him. He smiled again and looked on the night sky. It was a really beautiful night with a full moon. The stars were shining brightly.
They were sitting for a while in silence, watching Luna's masterpiece. Finally Applebloom spoke "You seem very young. How old are you?"
Gabriel wanted to lie about his age. If she knows how old is he she probably would tell her family and he would have to go back to home. He really didn't want to. At least not now.
But she trusted him. He couldn't just lie to her. He decided to tell the truth.
"I'm 8 years old" He told her. When he saw how she looked at him he quickly added "But please, don't tell anypony"
Applebloom turned her head to the moon again.
"Don't worry I won't" She said smiling. "I'm 8 too" She added.
Gabriel smiled even more. "Thank you Applebloom."
She smiled at him. They were looking at each other for a moment. Applebloom then looked on the horizon. Sun was about to rise.
"I have to go home now. Will you be here in the evening?" She asked him with hope in her voice "I want to know you better" .
Gabriel looked at her surprised. She was the first pony he talked to for so long, and she wanted to meet him again. He felt very nice. It was the feeling he hadn't experienced in years. It was acceptance.
He quickly answered her "Yes, of course"
She smiled at him. "See you in the evening"
Applebloom started trotting away. Applejack will wake up in a few minutes to start working. She had to hurry up. On her way home she started to think about Gabriel. He was very nice. Zecora had told her that they are very aggressive, rude and bloodthirsty. He was different. He was shy, kind and friendly. What was he was doing here in Sweet Apple Acres? She decided not to think about that until evening.
Gabriel was sitting on the hill watching Applebloom go. He really hoped she will be back.