“Attended a Canterlot boarding school during teens... stayed in Canterlot afterward… then moved to Ponyville for a new scene… and was shipping the rest of my stuff when the accident happened.”
Silverbolt grinned as she sorted through her mental file cabinet, checking off her memories like tasks on a to-do list. Ever since the princess had left, she’d been recounting not only where she was, but who she was. Though, memoirs of her childhood and a bit into her teens were fuzzy at best. She recalled only insubstantial hazes at best, none of which were any help to her, not to mention that thinking too much about it sent stabs of pain to her head. Nonetheless, she in a cheery mood.
After throwing some loose strands of dark blonde hair past her shoulder, she went back to reading the text book the princess had provided her. “Equestria, a History” was engraved across the spine. As the princess had put it, “Just in case you need a refresher.” Although the columns of text told her things she already knew, the reminders were doing just what they were supposed to do.
Glancing over the pages one last time, she slammed the history book shut. “Alright,” she said, “I think I’m good to go.” She jumped from her seat at the bed and headed for the door as she gave the room a last once over. She couldn’t say she would miss the small space, but at least the window had a fine view of the city.
The princess had told her to simply leave when ready and ask one of the nearby guards to direct her. They would already know where to lead her. As Silverbolt was about to throw open the door, she jumped back in surprise as it slammed open for an entirely different alicorn to step in. Midnight coat, starry mane, lunar mark… Princess Luna! As their eyes locked, Silverbolt emitted a gasp for two reasons—one for the understandable shock at having a princess barge in, and the other for the glint shining in the princess’s eyes. Rather than the usual… well, she didn’t know what the usual was. She just knew that the cold stare she wore couldn’t be normal. If anything she looked a bit… apprehensive? As if she was as surprised as Silverbolt.
The mare dropped into a hasty bow in a second, still feeling the stare burrowing into her head. “Your majesty.” Within moments, Silverbolt was cringing as each second rolled by in silence, no word from the princess. Biting her lip, she sneaked a peak back up at her princess only to lock with the eyes once again. “Your—”
“Luna? Meeting Silverbolt, are we?”
Silverbolt let out a sigh of relief as Celestia’s voice registered. Picking herself back up, she caught sight of Celestia sending a curious stare her sister’s way. Luna kept her gaze on Silverbolt for a moment before turning to reply. “…You could say that,” she retorted, the unbridled disgust in her tone causing Silverbolt to flinch, “I’ve been meaning to know her as of late.”
“You were?” Silverbolt asked, not sure if that was good or bad. Considering that the only thing noteworthy about her was a carriage accident, she feared the latter.
The alicorn’s eyebrow shot up. “Oh yes, I was. After hearing so much about you and the mess you were dropped into…”
“Luna…” Celestia said, “I hate to interrupt, but Silverbolt here has been through a lot—”
Luna snorted.
“…And I believe the best thing for her now would to be returning home.”
This time, Luna did nothing.
“Is that alright with you?”
All sets of eyes locked onto the lunar goddess, which she returned as she looked between them. Face contorting into a scowl, she lit her horn with a midnight blue glow. “Fine,” she said before stomping her hoof onto the floor and disappearing with a “pop!”
As the flash of teleportation simmered down, Celestia let out a sigh as she turned to Silverbolt. “I do apologize for my sister’s… uncouth behavior. She’s been rather short tempered… Is something the matter?”
Staring at Celestia through wide-eyes, she replied, “She seems upset with me. Like, really upset. What happened in that accident?”
She shook her head. “Please don’t worry yourself about Luna. She was probably grumpy since the commotion caused by the accident woke her up or something of the like. I assure you it’s alright.”
“…Okay,” Silverbolt exhaled, “I trust you.”
Celestia flashed her warm smile. “Thank you. Now, how are you feeling? I imagine you want to return home. Or should I say, head home for the first time? You had just moved to Ponyville, yes?”
Silverbolt beamed at the thought. “Yeah! Heh, I’m ready to go now.”
“Oh, you are?”
“Mmhm. You already know that I’m okay physically, but I’ve been remembering more and more ever since you dropped off that text book. It’s not perfect, but I have everything I need!”
Celestia chuckled. “Well then, what’s your exact address?”
“It’s... uh… Oh, no fair. I just moved there.”
“Alright, I’ll give you that. In any case, I can arrange for you to return home now if you truly feel you’re ready. I plan to send you with personal documents as well.”
“Huh?”
“They’ll contain all the official things you may need but may not know. For example, your address.”
“Oh, right. Heh… So yes, I’m ready to go. I’m sure of it.”
“So eager to finally move out of Canterlot, are we?” Celestia waved her wing toward Ryan, gesturing for her to follow. “Come along. As long as the pegasi aren’t napping, you’ll be in Ponyville within the hour.”
“Sweet! Er, your highness.” Silverbolt let out a few awkward laughs, but it morphed into confusion as she realized what Celestia had said. “Pegasi?”
Celestia only smirked.
“Eheh… I’m not very big on flying,” Silverbolt said, laughing nervously as she shied away from the open door of the chariot. The two pegasi hitched in front rolled their eyes, muttering “earth ponies” under their breaths.
“Well, I could check for the next train ticket, but for all I know, that’s tomorrow…” Celestia lead, a wry grin on her lips.
Silverbolt sighed, but she couldn’t help but smile. “Ugh, it’ll do.” Giving the castle courtyard the stood in a last look over, she turned back to the sun goddess. “So yeah. Thanks, your highness. Sorry about whatever commotion I caused with the accident.”
“As I said, don’t let it worry you. I assure you that everything is fine.”
“Alright…” she said as she planted herself onto the chariot’s seat. Next to her sat a bulging binder filled with all the papers she’d been promised. “So…”
“Everything’s ready if you are.”
“Okay then. I think I’m good to go. Not like I brought much anyway. Oh, wait! What about the stuff I was picking up when that carriage accident happened? Weren’t they…” She scrunched up her face as she thought. “Uh…”
Furniture.
“Furniture? Like a dresser and chairs and some other stuff?”
Celestia nodded as a smile ran across her lips. “Already taken care of. I expect they’ll have been delivered by the time you get there.”
“Thanks. Princess? Let me just say that you’re as great as everyone makes you out to be. Really.”
The goddess’s face remained unchanged as she stared into Silverbolt’s eyes for a few seconds, not a word being spoken. Then she answered. “Thank you. If you should ever have an issue, please feel free to come back to Canterlot. I may be busy with my duties much of the time, but I’m sure I can find an opening.”
“Oh, uh sure,” she replied, taken aback by the offer, “Thanks again for everything. See you later?”
“Farewell for now, Silverbolt. I wish you the best of luck.”
“Thanks. See ya!”
With a nod to the pegasi, Celestia stepped back as their wings unfurled and swished out, propelling them and the cart forward and dragging a gasp out of Silverbolt. In a minute, the chariot became nothing more than a gold dot in the evening sky, growing smaller by each passing second.
The sun goddess watched for a moment more before her smile drooped. Face contorting into a scowl, she turned away and set a stride for the castle doors. “Guard!” she called to the nearest pony in armor.
“Yes, your highness?”
“Contact Princess Twilight Sparkle. We have matters to discuss.”
“Yes, your highness!”
As the guard scampered off, Celestia heaved out a sigh. “…I do hope that Luna hasn’t gotten to her first.”
Silverbolt fell to the earth, thanking the goddesses to be on the turbulence-free safety of the ground. “That was a horrible!” she cried, “Clip the wings of those pegasuses; they can’t fly to save their lives!”
The fliers shared a “hmph!” in return.
“Ergh… At least I’m home… You two can just go already. I’ll take it from here.”
“You might want to get your papers first,” one of them called.
“Papers? Oh, right!” Silverbolt snatched up her folder and gave it pat down along the sides, pushing the loose documents back into place. “Thanks, guys.”
“Don’t mention it,” he replied, rolling his eyes in boredom. Once the mare was clear of the chariot, they took off for the skies.
Not bothering to watch, Silverbolt darned a grin as she glanced around the Ponyville scenery. They’d dropped her off on the outskirts of town to not cause commotion and due to her home being situated nearby. Since Celestia’s sun was sinking into the horizon by now, most ponies were already home or at least were heading for it, but Silverbolt could still feel the calm, neighborly atmosphere of the quaint little town. Her quaint little town.
Giggling at the thought, she set off down the road for home—that is, until she realized she didn’t know home was. She opened her folder, pleased to find her address stamped onto the first page. “Perfect…” Matching the street name to the nearby street signs, she actually had to turn around to head in the right direction. After a few minutes of walking the quiet street, she halted as the three digit address she sought came into view on the house in front of her.
She knew it was hers.
Silverbolt pranced across the trimmed lawn to the doorstep, wasting no time in unlocking the door and swinging it open. “Ha!” she laughed as she met the sight of her living room stuffed full off moving boxed. Most of her belongings were already in place from her first excursion from Canterlot just as she remembered. Nonetheless, she loved the homey feeling it embodied.
“Like it’s never been lived in,” she said, giving the interior another glance around before walking past the boxes. She had no doubt that they were the belongings Celestia had promised to be delivered. The house itself was rather simple, being one story and none-too-big. A border of carpet meeting tile designated the transition from living room to kitchen, and a small hallway opposite it lead to the bedroom, bathroom, and back door, one of each. Small, but it was all she needed.
I’ve always loved that small apartment vibe, she thought as she lounged across the couch, one foreleg hanging off the cushions, Heck, reminds me of when I… Wait, what? Her eyes blinked up a flurry as she snapped herself out of her daydream. I’ve never lived in an apart—Ech! Clutching her head between her hooves, she winced as the familiar spike of pain shot through her skull.
It passed as quick as it came, but she was left cringing. “Okay…” she said, her words riding her breath, “What’s the deal with that? Seriously? Is the princess sure I don’t have brain damage or something?” She shook her head, not sure if she was joking. “So I get random migraines when I think too much? But not all the time because I can think of other stuff just time… Mm, I’ll get it checked out of it doesn’t go away,” she decided.
Silverbolt threw a glance toward the unpacked boxes filling her living space but rolled her eyes after a moment. I’ll take care of it tomorrow. Too tired after today. Deciding that she’d rather sleep in a bed than on a couch, the mare pushed herself to her hooves and set off for the bedroom—but not before making a detour to the bathroom.
Inside, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her brow furrowed as she found herself entranced by her own reflection, the same feeling from when she stared at her hoof earlier bubbling up. Once again, she couldn’t place the bizarre sensation of something in that face being… off. Like she was expecting something else despite having seen it all her life.
“Ugh,” she groaned, forcing herself away, “Head aches and random feelings! Enough of all this weirdness! I’m going to bed… After a shower. That sounds nice.”
It was the next morning when Silverbolt found herself eating a hearty breakfast of dry cereal after having awakened from her dreamless sleep. After the madness of the past few days that she couldn’t actually remember, she felt more refreshed than ever. This was it—she’d finally settled into her new home. The thought jolted excitement into her system, even more so when she realized she was living it right now.
“What to do… what to do…” she wondered, idly sifting her spoon through the cereal flakes. To be honest with herself, she didn’t have anything planned for what happens after this moment. “Just see what happens,” she had told herself. With a glance at the door, her lips curled into a smile as an idea formed. After tossing her dishes into the sink, she trotted out the front door. I’ll unpack the boxes later, she thought, I want to see the town!
She set a pace down the street, heading deeper into town from her house’s spot on the outskirts. Practically skipping down the lane, Silverbolt flashed a winning grin to each horse she passed, a greeting they all returned. On a few occasions, she’d be asked if she was new to town which she would answer with a “You bet!” They’d sometimes chuckle and mention something about watching out for surprises, but Silverbolt didn’t pay them any mind. She’d probably learn about whatever they were referring to in due time.
As she came to a wide clearing, bustling with life and business, she realized she’d stumbled her way into the market district. She’d neglected to bring any bits, but hey! Might as well get a look of the layout. Like birds harping over breadcrumbs, vendors surrounded her on all sides, shouting into the crowds of bystanders.
The market place straddled the fine line between orderly and chaotic, but as far she was concerned, it was quite alright. Picking out one stand devoid of any customers, she trotted over. “Hey,” she greeted to the vendor.
Instantly, the mare behind the counter snapped to attention, her eyes becoming saucers as she let out a gasp. Her eyes locked onto Silverbolt before settling down. “Oh, sorry about that,” she said as she pushed a few strands of her orange mane back into place, “I was daydreaming and didn’t expect…”
Silverbolt smirked, knowing that feeling of boredom. “Don’t worry about it. Happens to me too. Slow day, eh?”
“You can say that again. It’s usually busier, but that’s just how business flies. Sometimes up and sometimes down.” She looked off for a moment before gaining an inquisitive expression. “Say, I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before. New in town?”
“Mmhm. Just moved in yesterday. Well, I had already moved in, but I was still bringing in the last of my furniture and stuff until yesterday. Then there were a few bumps in the road…” She shook her head. “So yes, I’m new in town.”
“Well I’ll be! Then let me be the first one to welcome you to our little town—wait, I am the first, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then welcome to Ponyville! The name’s Golden Harvest, but everyone calls me Carrot Top.”
“I’m Silverbolt. Nice to meet you,” she replied, shaking Carrot’s hoof.
The vendor ran her eyes across Silverbolt before chuckling. “Aren’t you a bit on the gold side to be silver?”
She just rolled her eyes.
“Anyway,” Carrot said, “I do hope you enjoy living here. Can I ask where you’re from?”
“Canterlot. Was looking for a change in scenery.”
“Mmhm. I do hope you enjoy living in Ponyville. It’s much quieter than a capital city like Canterlot, but it has its own… down-to-earth charm.”
“Can’t argue with that.” Glancing across the stacks of carrots on the stand, she said, “I’m guessing you sell carrots.”
Eyes lighting up, she nodded in a way that sent her curled mane bouncing. “The best in Ponyville, despite what those Apples would have you believe.”
“Apples?”
Carrot pointed to a stand across the market square as her face glared in the way that only an angry carrot farmer could. “See that stand? The one with the orange-coated mare? They are the enemy. Carrots will always come out on top.”
“Yeah? I—”
“Can an apple improve your vision? Does an apple stay good for up to six weeks? Do—”
“Carrot?”
She blinked. “Oh uh… aheh. Sorry about that. Sometimes I go off on a tangent… heh.”
Silverbolt shrugged, but her eyes trailed back to the mare at the apple stand. “I’ll watch out for the ‘enemy.’ In any case… sorry to cut our talk short, but I’m going to go see the town, alright?”
Carrot nodded. “Go right on ahead. I know I’d want to explore if I had just moved to a new place.” She arranged a bundle of carrots into a bag before adding, “Here, take some with you. Consider it a welcoming gift.”
“Heh, thanks! I’ll pay for these when…” She trailed off as Carrot held up her hoof.
“Don’t even think of it. As I said, consider it a gift.”
Silverbolt smirked. “Thanks again. Good meeting you.”
“You too! Oh, and I hope you enjoy your surprise!”
“Heh… huh?” Silverbolt chuckled as she walked away, still having no clue as to what the townsfolk were talking about. She could ask Carrot, but that would ruin the point of a surprise, huh? With a thoughtful gaze, she set off for wherever her hooves would bring her next.
By the time Silverbolt returned home that evening, she had already picked out the places she knew she had to check out when she was carrying bits. As energetic as the market was, she’d also made sure to wander out and see some other sights of Ponyville including the town square and nearby park to name a few. She had to admit, it was quite the contrast from Canterl—
Who the hay are they? she thought as she noticed a pair of ponies on her doorstep. The pony in front, a gray-coated mare, had just finished knocking on the door and was waiting for an answer. So Silverbolt gave them one.
“Uh, hey? Who’re you two?”
Both mares’ heads whipped around in surprise. “Oh, hello there. Would you happen to be the pony who just moved here?” the gray mare said.
“Yes?”
Throwing on a smile, she said, “Nice to meet the pony that finally bought it. I’m Octavia, and this…” She gestured to the white-coated mare next to her. “Is Vinyl.”
Vinyl, as she was called, locked eyes with Silverbolt for a moment, but her purple-tinted shades hid her eyes. “Hey,” was all she said, sounding none-too-interested.
“Hey. So… who are you two again?”
“Oh, right. Sorry about that.” Flashing a pointed glance at Vinyl, Octavia said, “We’re your new neighbors stopping by to welcome you to the neighborhood.”
“Okay, I see. Well… nice to meet you! I’m Silverbolt. Thanks for coming over to welcome me.”
“Don’t mention it! It’s great to meet you. Say, aren’t you a bit gold—”
“Yes. Yes I am,” she interrupted, drawing a laugh from the both. “Want to come in?”
“We’d be delighted.”
“Cool.” Silverbolt stepped forward to unlock the door, but hesitated as a thought occurred. I really should’ve unpacked, she thought, thinking of the mess in living room. She normally didn’t let something like this bother her, but the thought of her brand new home being a pigsty for her first visitors didn’t sound too appealing. “Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t we go out on the town? My house is kind of a mess right now what with moving in and all…”
“That’s sound fine. Nothing was planned this evening anyway other than stopping by to meet you. Though… didn’t you just get home? I’d hate to make you head out again after just returning.”
“No, it’s fine. There were some places I wanted to swing back to anyway, so two birds, one stone. Just let me step inside for a second; I’ll be right back out.” After replacing her sack of carrots with a sack of bits, she met them outside. “Okay, I’m good.”
“Anyplace you have in mind?” Octavia asked.
Silverbolt brought her hoof to her chin as she thought for a moment. Sure, there were a number of places she’d wanted to visit, but most were stores rather than a place to grab a bite. Not to mention the fact that restaurants would be closing at this hour. What would be open late…? In a moment, her eyes flashed with an idea.
“Are there any bars nearby?”