”Thank you, Flutter Shy. Your help will not be forgotten!” I told her.
“You're welcome. Besides, it is your friend Fiery Mane who pulled you here, and trusted both you, and me in the first place!” she pointed out.
“I'll send you something extra, just to show my appreciation, from time to time!” I responded.
“Just glad you're better, and that I could help!” Flutter Shy suggested, in a shy voice.
“That sure is Flutter Shy!” Fiery Mane pointed out with a small giggle on her voice.
“If you don't mind, I guess this is the time when I reclaim my regular disguise. I'd feel more comfortable among Ponies, looking more like them!” I said.
“They sure would feel more comfortable, if you can act like one of them too, which wouldn't come out as very convincing, as long as you don't look like one of them!” she responded.
“Thanks again. I guess we had better keep moving, you have others to tend to, a Pony as kind as you always have!” I continued.
“Yes, I have, but it is always nice to see a new Pony, guess I'll see you some time. Best of luck with your adventure!” she then said.
“Yes, I guess I'll see you soon enough. It is interesting to see a Changeling up close with no hostilities between us. Not that I see all that many Alicorns either!” Flutter Shy pondered.
“She was the first Changeling I have seen. The only Alicorns I have seen are the once who were in Cloudsdale. Celestia and Luna, I think it was!” Fiery Mane responded.
Funny thing, I had had my fair share of Alicorns and Changelings was what I saw all day. Although I had not seen all that many Ponies. This had proven to be quite the exhilarating and refreshing experience, even if I wouldn't go as far, as to say I would hurt myself in order to revisit this situation. The pain had been too great, to me.
In the end, I am still happy to be on my way. Not that I had anything against Flutter Shy or her critters. Maybe I had been worrying about having another Pony stepping in on us? What would the next Pony say? How would he or she react on seeing a Changeling in Flutter Shy's home? I did not hold any illusion as to how they would react on seeing her tending to me and my injuries.
“You seems to be relieved of leaving her, as pleasant a Pony as she is!” Fiery enquired with an amused smile on her face.
“I don't really know her, even if you knew of her. Besides, I have had my share of pampering for a day. She has done all she could for me, which I will be eternally grateful for. I think it is best, we leave her to her regular duties. On the other hoof, there is always the off chance other Ponies stroll in on us!” I pondered.
“She was my second choice, the Zebra wasn't home. I did not feel comfortable hanging around in the forest. Every Pony knows of Flutter Shy as the element of Kindness. Once there, I did notice why, I could feel it. My guess is that you did feel the effects too. Maybe we could find another place to rest, before we start up a real adventure, exploring the land?” she responded.
“I guess a day to rest after the events I was through couldn't hurt. I take it you have a good idea as to where we could go? Preferably, some place private. Some place where we don't directly see other Ponies, for a while!” I pointed out.
“At least, I know where to go and who to ask for what we need!” she responded.
“Then we had better be off. I could use the rest!” I pointed out.
“Right this way, I think she will give us the directions to the perfect spot to hide. You may consider a good disguise for the trip, though!” she pointed out.
I soon noticed she did take me towards Ponyville proper, just a side tour for a good spot where I could stop and effect the disguise she knew I wanted to have, for the time we would be moving around amongst Ponies. It would be as much for their comfort as it is for mine.
Once at the clearing, she stopped at the centre. Looking around, just to see if there were any Ponies, but apparently, we can have a moment to ourselves here.
Having a black Alicorn with a fiery mane would most likely draw any attention away from me. I did not like to stick out. What was I going to be looking like?
The first change was just a plain white Pegasus, since I figured we would be flying, since it would be convenient. I could both see and feel the changes coming over me.
First my horn went away, that is a fairly simple change. Now my body changed in order to look like a Pony, by body slowly covered with fur, then my wings changed into the standard Pegasi variety.
“That is a good start, though no Pony would accept a plain white Pegasus without a Cutie Mark, even at the side of a black Alicorn with a fiery mane like myself!” she pointed out, I knew she was right, too.
“Oh yeah, the Cutie Mark. Would this work?” I enquired, changing to a light blue, adding a white cloud with a silver line as border.
“I guess that is bold enough to sell the deal. Time to go see Pinkie Pie about where we could rest, Silver Lining!” she exclaimed.
--- --- ---