//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Forging Steel // by Hopeless Appraisal //------------------------------// Ember's discomfort only grew the further he walked. He had set out for his lunch date eagerly enough that morning, but the further he followed Glimmer's directions from the previous day the closer he got to the heart of the city and the business districts. He supposed he would have recognized the addresses and street names had he ever taken the time to really explore the city, but it was too late to turn down the invitation now. The business district took up most of the area surrounding city central. The cobblestone streets were barred to common wagons and carts, with taxi carriages being the only traffic permitted to circulate. This allowed ponies to walk freely among the rows of polished brick high-risers and office buildings, all interspersed with small parks, fancy shops, and eateries, each tailored to catch the more spendy eye of the city's entrepreneurs and businessponies who frequented the area. But it wasn't the scenery that had Ember so on edge. He brushed past yet another group of well-dressed mares, the most conservative among them wearing full business saddles and collars. Every mane and tail was carefully groomed and styled. Several of them shot disapproving glances as they passed the unkempt, grey earth pony, and Ember turned his eyes to the ground, his insides tightening a bit further. He had gone through his usual morning routine of rinsing and scrubbing, but now he wished that he had at least thought to get a manecut, or a trim, or something on his way out this morning. He wore no clothing either, having never had any need for it. His mother had owned several dresses she'd kept in the closet now that he thought on it, but he couldn't recall having ever seen her wear them. He caught another dirty look and hurried his pace. It didn't take much to know his presence wasn't wanted here, and all the hostile looks sent his head buzzing. Glimmer had said that he didn't have to stay, but he told her that he would show up, so he would do at least that. Ember recognized the sign he was looking for, and his anxiety heightened as he came to a stop in front of the much-nicer-than-he'd-expected restaurant. The Garden Park was a fancy outdoor deal located just outside Center Street Park, and it looked quite busy. The tables were lined out into the street, and a knee-high wall of greenery kept the many passerby from disturbing the eating guests. Waitresses scurried about to and from the open bar, hurrying to keep up with the tail-end of the midday rush. A stern looking mare in a sharp collar and tie stood at the entrance behind a small pulpit, checking off arrivals and departures in a large reservation book. Ember immediately regretted his decision to arrive a bit early. He fidgeted as he sat down, his back to the barrier, and watched the clean-cut patrons in hats, ties, and suits pass him by on their way in and out of the airy restaurant. He had never truly felt naked before, and he felt very foolish as he stood there waiting for Glimmer to arrive. There were too many looks to ignore now, and Ember seriously considered walking up to the mare at the entrance, just so they could turn him away and be done with it all. "Hi Ember," came a voice from the restaurant behind him. Ember jumped and turned around to see Glimmer smiling at him from the other side of the barrier. She was dressed in a waitress' saddle and collar, and she was carrying a tray stacked high with used plates on her back. "You're early," she said cheerfully as she deftly cleared the plates off a now-unoccupied table. "Hi," Ember returned with genuine surprise. "Umm, sorry about that, I didn't realize you would already be here." He ran a bewildered hoof through his mane as he took in her appearance. "It's fine," she laughed, "but I'm not quite done with my shift yet. Just give me a minute and I'll get you in.” Before Ember could respond, Glimmer turned and trotted back towards the kitchen, the tray of plates still balanced lightly over her back. Ember fidgeted as he watched her go. He really didn't want to be crowded in with all those ponies, but she seemed so eager, and he didn't want to disappoint her by leaving. Maybe if he just focused on her then he could get through this. Glimmer returned and re-set the table. She then beckoned Ember over towards the restaurant's entrance. He wilted a bit as she talked with the older mare at the podium, who gave him a long, critical look, tracing from his untrimmed mane all the way down to his fetlocks. She looked back at Glimmer, who smiled eagerly. The mare sighed and turned her eyes away as she let Ember through. He followed reluctantly down the isles and into the open building. He avoided all the looks he was receiving by keeping his eyes on Glimmer, who was happy as ever and didn't seem to be bothered in the slightest as everyone else was at his appearance. Her cheerfulness did wonders to ease his own discomfort. She didn't seem worried at all, and he was able to relax a bit as he watched her. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad after all. In focusing on her, Ember also couldn't help but note Glimmer's uniform: the collar and saddle she wore matched the theme of dark, flat colors, with a simple headband to keep her mane back. She also wore leggings of the same color, reaching just below her knees and tapering down to little black horseshoes that tapped lightly as she walked. The image was professional (minus a few frills) and very attractive. Ember couldn't help but blush a little, and that warm glow in his chest from the day before returned full force. "You didn't tell me you worked here," Ember started as Glimmer led him on. "Lily and I both do, actually," she replied over her shoulder, "but her shift ends a bit earlier than mine. We're turning in a worker's discount, so don't worry about paying." He nodded in understanding as they approached the back wall where a long counter top cut through to the kitchens, allowing workers to pick up orders and drop off dishes. The tables nearest the back looked like they weren't often used for customers, each lacking the usual vase of flowers and substituting a detailed tablecloth for a simple flat one. Only one of the tables was occupied, with a single mare looking at a menu. Ember had no trouble recognizing her as the one from the forest a week prior. She was not dressed as Glimmer was; her own uniform was sitting neatly folded on the seat next to her. Her eyes brightened as she noticed the two approach, and she stood to greet them. "Hi! You're Ember, right?" Ember gave a somewhat nervous smile. "Yes, and you're Lily? Glimmer told me you wanted to meet." Lily glanced down to her hooves, a bashful grin on her face. "Yes, that's me. I, umm... yes..." She shook her head and let out a restrained giggle. "Would you like to sit down?" She plopped herself back down to the table eagerly. Ember nodded and sat down across from her. "I'll leave you two for a bit," Glimmer said with a grin. "Let me know what you want to eat and I'll grab it for you when they let me off." Ember watched with some reluctance as Glimmer left them. He suddenly felt very exposed again. "So," Lily spoke, and he turned to look back across the table at her, "...how are you?" Ember blinked. "Oh. I'm doing good, I guess." He shifted uncertainly. "That's good." There was silence for a moment. Lily looked like she wanted to talk but she just smiled and looked at him expectantly. It made Ember more than a little uncomfortable. "So.. I'm glad you two were alright that night, after what happened in the forest," Ember said, wanting to break the pause. "Oh yes, we've been doing fine. Glimmer got me home alright..." She trailed off into silence again, just looking at him. Ember shifted, and his attention was drawn as he noticed Glimmer making another run to the kitchen: she transferred several decanters of drinks from the counter to her back and then trotted quickly over to a nearby table. She greeted the guests with a gentle smile and tilted her head expertly to pour the drinks as they each recited their orders to her. Lily's head appeared, craning in from the side of his vision. "So... What do you do in the city?" she asked quickly. Ember's attention snapped back to her. "Oh. Well, I'm self-employed. I work in the industrial district... doing metalwork." Lily's eyebrows raised. "Ooh, that sounds exciting." She put a thoughtful hoof to her chin. "Glimmer told me that she met you in the farmer's market. I've never been there myself, so I thought you might be a farmer. I never really thought about a metalworker, though. That sounds interesting, too." She stared off into space with a dreamy expression on her face. Ember's eyes had wandered back to Glimmer, who was trotting back to the kitchens. She bumped her side up against the counter, easily sliding the tray off her back with a flourish while reciting a slurry of orders to the cook. The list was long, and Ember doubted he could have memorized so many things that quickly. Lily moved to draw Ember's attention again, and he turned back to her apologetically. "Sorry. So, do you know Glimmer from anywhere besides work?" he asked. Lily nodded. "We're housemates, actually," she answered. "We were working together and she needed a new place to stay. We don't talk a whole lot, but she's a lot nicer than my last neighbor." Ember nodded appropriately. Glimmer had picked up the orders from the kitchen and was now trotting them back over to the table. He marveled at how she balanced that large tray so effortlessly. "You were really good that night, by the way," Lily began, then continuing at Ember's questioning look. "When you stopped those stallions for me in the forest?" "Oh, yeah," Ember recalled. He shuddered a bit at the thought of that night after he had left them, but he smiled for her nonetheless. "I'm just glad you two were ok." Ember heard the click of horseshoes, and they looked up to see Glimmer heading back to their table. "Ok, I'm done for now." She carried three drinks, one of which she placed in front of Ember: it was a pinkish-red color, and he looked at it critically. "That's a Strawberry Guava," Glimmer said with a grin at his confused expression. "Most places here don't bother with it because you have to order it from off-coast. You'll like it." Ember looked back to the oddly colored drink and leaned in to take a sip. It was delicious! It had a very sweet flavor. Different, but maybe even sweeter than the apple cider. That thought brought back memories. "That's really good!" he said. "I told you you'd like it," Glimmer said with a smile as she turned to look at Lily. "Do you two know what you want to eat yet?" "Oh, sorry," Lily started, "he hasn't looked at the menu yet." "Lily!" Glimmer scolded her. "It's ok. We have time, and I can cover the start of your shift if you need it." She sat down next to Lily and pushed the menu towards Ember. "Pick whatever you want." Ember didn't recognize most of what he saw. The menu had multiple sections for drinks, desserts, different times of day... "I don't know where to start," he confessed sheepishly, almost turning the menu upside down. He had never been anywhere that served like this. He had mainly stuck to the stands at the farmer's market and lots of hay for the winter time. "That's ok," Glimmer assured him gently. "I didn't really know how often you've bothered to go to a place like this." She leaned over and began pointing out things on the menu for him. The sound of more horseshoes, and a pony appeared beside their table. "Ending your shift a little early today, aren't you, Glimmer?" Ember looked up to see two stallions standing next to the table. They were dressed in suits and ties, and the one who spoke had a piercing in his left ear. "You were right," the first pony said, indicating to Ember as he turned to the other, "he does look like some street sweeper." Glimmer jumped in surprise at their arrival. She then smacked the menu back onto the table with a hoof. "Damian, what are you doing here?" Her sudden change in tone shocked Ember a little, and he guessed that this stallion probably wasn't her boss. He didn't look any older than her, actually. "Hello to you too, Glimmer, and to you as well, Lilly," the stallion said smoothly. "You're looking very nice today." Lily giggled when he winked at her, and she pushed a hoof through her mane. "Hi, Damian." Glimmer wasn't having any of it, only watching him angrily. "What do you want, Damian?" The stallion's demeanor changed almost instantly "You're asking me that?" he responded with equal anger. "After you treat me the way you did, and then just leave me behind to run off with some dimwitted farm worker!" He looked Ember over with disgust. "Bringing someone like him here is a bit overkill isn't it? If you want to impress-" "I'm not interested in whatever you have to say! I told you that before. Now leave us alone." "You're not interested in me but you are with him?!" The stallion jabbed an angry hoof at the confused looking Ember. "I doubt he'll be the one paying for his meal, much less yours. He looks like he lives in a barn!" Ember bristled, and he felt a familiar stir in the back of his head. He quickly looked away from the threatening gesture, forcing his head to calm. He had no idea what was going on here, but getting worked up over it was a bad idea, and they were starting to attract a lot of attention. The stallion bristled further, not caring about the attention he was drawing. "I'll be damned if you run off with some stupid farmpony!" Glimmer looked at him evenly. "We'll have you thrown out of here if you don't leave us alone." "If she wants you to leave, then I think you should," Ember added. He didn't know who this stallion was, but it was clear he was only looking for trouble. The stallion turned on him. "And what makes you think you can have her?! Look at you! She deserves far better than whatever you are!" Ember froze at those words, suddenly very aware of himself. Whatever you are. His mind flashed back to screams in a shattered farmhouse... countless nights in sudden pain and then darkness. Ember glanced across the table at Glimmer, only to turn away quickly, suddenly very afraid to look at her. Damian continued to argue with Glimmer until they were interrupted by a worker who came out of the kitchens. He placed a large hoof on Damian's shoulder. "Sir we need to ask you to leave. You are disturbing the guests." "Just put the damages on the family tab," Damian muttered angrily. The stallion was undeterred. "You misunderstand, sir. We cannot not allow you to harass our workers or disturb our customers. Please move down the isle." He proceeded to herd the two stallions away. Ember heard a few last, choice words from the stallion as he was escorted out. There was a painful silence at their table, made worse by the many stares now directed their way. The worker returned from the front entry and walked back to their table. "Miss Glimmer. I have to ask that you not bring in any more ponies who will disrupt the guests." He cast an indicating look towards Ember. "We can't stand to lose customers this way." "But Ember didn't do anything," Glimmer protested. "It's alright," Ember said. "I can find my own way out." He stood from the table and Glimmer stood with him. "Ember, I'm so sorry about all this." she began, looking at him worriedly. "Please don't go. We could meet again after our next shift." Ember's eyes stung, and he avoided her gaze. "It's fine. I should get back to work anyways." He stepped around her and headed towards the bar leading to the kitchen. He asked the pony over the counter what the price was for a strawberry guava drink. The pony blinked a few times in surprise before giving him a figure. Ember placed the correct number of bits on the counter before turning to walk towards the entrance. Glimmer dropped back into her seat as Ember exited the restaurant. She buried her head in her forehooves and groaned. "I'm such an idiot! I knew he'd be uncomfortable here... and then Damian had to show up!" She slumped her head to the table. "I feel awful. I just wanted to treat him to something nice." "Well, he obviously liked you a lot," Lily pouted from across the table, resting a cheek against her hoof. "He would hardly even look at me when you were around." Glimmer blushed. "I'm sorry, Lily. I knew you liked him... I just wasn't sure what he thought of me yesterday." She reached out a hoof and gently placed it on top of her friend's. "You don't mind, do you?" Lily grumbled and looked away from her. "At least Damian and his friend noticed me..." Glimmer frowned. "Lily, you just got out of a bad relationship. I don't think you should go rushing into another one," she scolded. "And Ember seems like a simple, honest stallion... unlike most around here," she added. "We should find some way to make this up to him." "All the good stallions notice you first," Lily grumbled, glaring across the table. "Lily, you've had plenty of interested stallions," Glimmer returned with exasperation. "You just need to stop throwing yourself at the first ones to flirt with you." Lily turned away and pouted in silence for a moment. "What happened with you and Damian, anyway?" she grumbled. "He was always so nice to you when he came here." "Well he sure wasn't when I told him no," Glimmer said, rubbing her temples "and I don't want to think about that right now." She stood from the table and picked up the drinks. "My break is over. I'll see you later, Lily." The mare slumped low in her seat. "You, too," she said. Glimmer softened, and she nosed her friend's shoulder gently. "I'm sorry about Ember," she said. "You could come and go by there with me later." Lily sighed heavily, but she didn't pull away. "No, it's okay, Glimmer" she said, giving a weak smile. "You go ahead." Glimmer gave her shoulder another nuzzle before pulling away, hating to leave her like that. I'll have to talk to her again later. Ember left the business district and sat down on the first park bench he could find. He slumped and covered his face in his hooves. What you are. He reached out tentatively, feeling that threatening presence stirring inside him again... unpredictable... always waiting. He shuddered, and several tears fell through his hooves to the dirt. Ember stomped his hooves and quickly stood back up, walking determinedly in the direction of home. He was not going to dwell on it! ...on a life he may never have. Maybe a few more years and he could figure out something, but he was not going to let himself be torn to pieces over it now. He stomped his way through the tears before they fell, willing them away with the effort of his steps.