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// A growing blaze 
// Story: A gem in the sand 
// by KVEverfree 
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Cyrus and Dusty often continued to meet in the library, often drifting into aimless conversations after their initial prompter with magical theory. Neither had been much for socializing, but they soon found themselves meeting with no real purpose in mind. One weekend, Dusty even took it upon himself to show the donkey around Canterlot, exploring the great spires, the newly opened movie theater, and the weekend street market. Cyrus even found himself surprisingly open to talking to others, especially when they met a jack running a market stall. It turned out he was a recent emigrant from Saddle Arabia, near the base at Kashan, and he brought some rather unsettling news that Cyrus did not get from his parent’s letters. 
“ So you’re from Istanburro, then, lad?”
“Yes,  I’m in Canterlot on an exchange program.”
“ Maybe you would do good to stay here, its not pretty over at home.  The talons took part of the Northern forests, and a coal camp, and it means Tartarus for the rest of us, I’ll tell you that.”
Dusty piped up. “Is it the armies? Are you worried the fighting could spill southward?” Dusty had been getting some geography lessons from Cyrus, and tended to be a bit of a show off when he learned something new. It was remarkable how little Equestrians concerned themselves with the rest of the world.
“That’s possible, unicorn,but they would never get to the capital. No, the threat is from the army itself. They’re convinced the loss is due to sabotage, or something and are taking out on us. Not but a month ago, the Sidat raided my neighbor’s home, took him and his old jenny too. Haven’t seen them since.”
“I haven’t heard any of this! How did you get out?”
“Work on merchant ships. We were headed for Baltimare, so I paid the captain a little extra so she could hire someone else.”
“At least you got out unscathed. I still have family over there.”
“We just have to weather this storm, lad. I’m sure your folks are stronger than you think. Now, how many oranges will that be for y’all?”
Dusty paid for the oranges, and they left in silence. He noticed his friend seemed a bit shaken after the encounter, and, displaying the almost annoying friendliness that ponies are famous for, started prying.
“ Your dad’s in the army right? From what you said, it sounds like nothing can bring him down. I mean, he took down a dragon, for Celestia’s sake. I think they will be fine, and the Ironclaws will soon get pushed back.
Noting Cyrus’s continued silence, he changed tactics.
“ I know just the thing to get you smiling again. Follow me”
They headed to a comic store, where Cyrus was quickly suggested the newest releases, from  Power Ponies, to Mare’Do Well and even Clousdale Comix's campy classic sci-fi  Buck Dodger: Luna’s Ranger. Cyrus eventually found himself absorbed (thankfully not literally) in the series Drake Phoenix, which chronicled the adventures of a grown-up and independent Humdrum. Cyrus had had access to some old Power Ponies, and it was nice to see a largely useless character transform into something cool.  It took quite a bit to drag Cyrus out of the store once he got interested. Sad to say, but the stereotype of stubbornness was very much true, at least for him. But they had work to do. Dusty had to write a paper on the historical importance of teleportation spells, and Cyrus had homework for his economics class. He didn’t really like the subject,  but it had to be done.  He bid farewell to Dusty, who had a small apartment near the Academy, and headed to the dorms that housed both the exchange students, and several graduate studies unicorns. They were quite plain, though his roommate, who he rarely saw, had adorned his side with army memorabilia. The Arabian Horsehead insignia was even draped over the carving of the sun and moon above the door.  Cyrus heard some fumbling as he approached, and, cautiously knocked. Silence. Then, he slowly opened the door. A pink mare named Fila, roughly brushed past, almost pushing him to the ground (it happened that even mares were taller than even the largest donkey). 
“What in Tartarus are you doing here?” His roommate, a  bulky colt named Jarir, glared at him with a ferocious intensity.
“ I’m so sorry, I just was going to get my books to study.”
“ That was important enough to ruin my chances? Well, then, I’m sooo relieved.”
“ You could have said something, you know. How was I to know?”
“Oh that’s right, I forgot. You may have ridiculous ears, but they aint attached to no brain. Why am I even talking to you, you stupid ass?
“Alright, I’m leaving, but don’t think I’m letting this slip past. By the way, I’m sure if that’s how you act with her, she’s secretly thanking me. Have fun jerk, but clean up afterward please.”
He ducked out of the room with his saddlebag before Jarir could chuck a book at his head. He didn’t know what had prompted him to be so cheeky, especially to someone who could make his life hell if he chose to. He headed to the common lobby, and then the thought of returning for the night paralyzed him.  It was hard to concentrate on his work, or much of anything. This was one of the few times that he was afraid to be alone, not just because students were expected to be in their dorms, or at least not roaming the halls by midnight. He looked at the clock. It read nearly 11. It was futile to try and work on his assignment, and he started pacing back and forth. Cyrus knew that Jarir wouldn’t accept an apology, he had to cool down. He had seen this happen with his roommate before, and even witnessed physical intimidation. Cyrus was skinny and small, and had no chance against him. He had to find somewhere to spend the night. In his mind, there was really only one option. 
He grabbed his saddle bag and slipped through the back exit, headed for the town. It was dimly lit in this section, with alleyways casting threatening shadows. Canterlot was not a really scary city, mostly because everypony was inside by 9. But Cyrus was still scared. He could barely remember where it was, and the fear of losing his way played on his senses. His ears seemed to be on high alert, and every crack, every breeze and every rustle started sounding as threatening as the laughter of Nightmare Moon herself. He turned a corner, and finally reached his destination; a slightly shabby set of apartments. Not a soul in sight. Cyrus collected himself a bit,  climbed the stairs, and knocked on number 404.  A tired looking Dusty Scroll answered.
“Cyrus, what in blazes are you doing here? It’s almost midnight! Someponies are trying to sleep!”
“I know, but I need your help. Can I stay here for the night? I can’t go to my room at the moment.”
He proceeded to recount the events, but being careful to tone down his brashness.
Dusty’s irritated face softened, resembling concern. He let out a sigh, and shifted his glasses up his muzzle.
“This was a bit foalish of you, but alright, you can stay. Just for tonight though, and nopony can know. We cant have students staying out after curfew.”
He motioned for Cyrus to follow him into the very modest, almost spartan living room. 
“I only have my bed, but if you like, I could get you a spare blanket, and you can sleep on the couch. Hope that’s alright.”
“It is quite alright, and thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay you.”
“ You don’t have to, that’s what friends do, right?”
“ I’ll be out of here as soon as I can, and I promise I wont get caught sneaking back in. It’ll be like I wasn’t even here.”
“As long as you don’t snore, I think I’ll be fine. Let me get you that blanket.”
The unicorn turned his back to the donkey as he headed for the closet in his bedroom. Cyrus, who was settling in, didn’t see him droop his ears, or hear him mumble to himself,
“ You don’t owe me. If anything, I owe you big time.”