The moon had descended and the sun had risen. The night had ended and the day would begin. Gehrman stood on a balcony—a balcony he had discovered after he explored his chambers. He hadn’t slept through the night. He did not want to fall asleep. Instead, he grabbed a chair that stood at a desk, which was also located in his chambers and placed it on the balcony. He sat down on it and stared at the moon; all night. It was a habit. A bad habit, at that.
But the now the sun had risen. It was the first sunrise he had seen in a long time, and he adored every second of it. He could feel the heat of the sun’s rays descending on his body. His clothes were warmed, and his body felt at peace. He could get used to this.
Closing his eyes and leaning back into his chair, Gehrman’s thoughts drifted off to last night. He did not care if Princess Luna would inform her sister of his acts. He got to see the sunrise, and that was something no one could ever take away from him. Gehrman was finally at peace. Perhaps the good hunter had succeeded into doing the impossible. To slay a Great One is not only an act of pure strength, but it also shows the determination said hunter has. And this hunter had the heart of a mountain lion, and the strength of a thousand men. He truly was the one to unshackle Gehrman form his fate. And Gehrman would be ever grateful for it.
It was at this moment, that a knock on his door could be heard. “Enter,” Gehrman called out from the balcony, not bothering to get up.
He could hear the door opening, but he did not bother to look behind him. Hoof steps could be heard; echoing through the chamber. Gehrman could sense that someone was behind him.
“Good morning,” A soothing voice said from behind him.
“A good morning indeed, your majesty,” Gehrman replied. Turning his head, he looked up at Princess Celestia. “The sun is beautiful today, just like I remember.”
Celestia smiled at his kind words. “Thank you, Gehrman. I try to do a good job. Raising the sun is quite the job, but I like it.”
“Raise the sun, your majesty?” Gehrman asked, confusion clearly present in his voice.
“I’m guessing the sun isn’t raised by somepony, in your world?” Celestia asked.
“I do not know. Perhaps there is a Great One. But all I know, is that the sun raises and lowers itself.” Gehrman replied, looking back up at the sun.
“Fascinating,” Celestia said to herself. Tapping Gehrman’s shoulder, she continued. “My sister told me what occurred last night. I must apologize for her behavior. But I assure you that she had no ill intent. She just wanted to help.”
“I understand, your majesty,” Gehrman replied, stiffing a yawn. “But I think it would be for the best if me and your sister would not see, or speak to each other for a little while. I need to sort things out, and having your sister constantly bother me with questions is not going to speed up that process.”
“Well then, I have just the thing for you,” Celestia said. “When my sister told me what occurred last night, I came up with a solution.”
Gehrman turned his head again. “And that would be?”
“My student, Twilight Sparkle, has agreed to take you with her to her home in Ponyville,” Celestia replied, smiling as she watched Gehrman get off his chair.
“I am to be transported to another city?” Gehrman asked, now at his full height. God his back hurt, he probably shouldn’t sit in such an uncomfortable wooden chair again. He missed his wheelchair. He really did.
Celestia nodded her head. “Indeed you are, Gehrman. Or would you like to stay in Canterlot? We aren’t forcing you to leave.”
Gehrman shook his head. He wanted to get away from Princess Luna for a little while. He didn’t hate her or anything, he just wanted to be away from the one who reminded him so much of the night, and the dream. “I will follow your request, your majesty,” Gehrman replied, walking passed her. “I am to leave momentarily, I presume?” he asked, turning his head.
Celestia nodded.
“Then so be it.”’ Gehrman said as he walked back into his chambers. He continued walking forward until he reached the exit. He opened the door and stepped outside. He observed the magnificent lit halls of Canterlot castle. He remembered the way to the throne room, but he decided to wait for Celestia to join him. Celestia eventually stepped out of his chambers as well. She closed the door behind her and looked up at Gehrman.
“Twilight is waiting for you at the entrance to the castle,” she said. “Would you prefer to be teleported, or do you want to walk?” she asked politely.
“How long is the walk?” Gehrman asked.
“About ten minutes.” Celestia replied.
“I think a walk will do me good,” Gehrman said, stretching his back. “Unless you would prefer this ‘teleportation’, your majesty.”
Celestia shook her head, smiling at the hunter. “A walk it is.”
The duo began their ‘trek’ through Canterlot castle. They passed several guards, who all bowed their heads when they laid eyes upon their Princess. ‘Is that the monster you were talking about?’ Gehrman could hear one of the guards ask another guard. Monster… perhaps he was indeed a monster. He was partially responsible for bringing the Old Blood into Yharnam. Could the plague of beasts have been prevented, had he spoken out on the excursion? He would never know.
Gehrman wondered if Celestia and Luna were the only royalty in this unfamiliar land. If not, then he would gladly meet the others. It’s better to be on the good side of royalty, than the bad side. Gehrman never was a man for royalty, but he treated them with respect nonetheless. Something Laurence taught him a long time ago... Laurence, how he missed his old friend. He could still not believe he had turned into a beast. He scolded himself for it, every day.
Master Willem. He is still sitting on that balcony for all he knows, trying to elevate his thoughts to a higher existence. Whatever became him? Did he succeed in his goals? Did he make contact with a Great One? Gehrman did not know.
Having been lost in his thoughts for so long, Gehrman had not noticed they had already reached the main doors of Canterlot castle.
“Well that went quicker than expected,” Celestia commented, glancing down at Gehrman’s peg leg. “I’m impressed you were able to keep up, considering your peg hoof.”
Gehrman snapped out of his thoughts. Turning to Celestia, he spoke up. “I’m sorry your majesty, I must have drifted off. What was it you said?”
Celestia shook her head. “Nothing.”
Gehrman slowly nodded his head, looking at her with a skeptical look. Turning to face the set of humongous doors that stood in front of him, he tapped the sheath of his Burial Blade. Two Solar guards walked passed Gehrman and Celestia. The two guards were both unicorns, thus they used their magic to open the doors.
“Your majesty,” Gehrman said, turning to face her and bowing his head respectfully. “I thank you for your hospitality. If you ever require my assistance, I would be happy to help.”
Celestia bowed her head too. “It was my pleasure, Gehrman. And the same thing goes for you. If you ever need help, do not be afraid to write me a letter.”
Gehrman turned to face the doors again. Taking a deep breath, he stepped outside the doors and walked down the set of stairs that lead to the lower part of the castle’s entrance. Gehrman could see Twilight, smiling and waving at him. He awkwardly waved back at her.
“Gehrman,” Twilight said with much enthusiasm, looking up at the First Hunter with a big smile. “Words cannot describe how happy I am right now. I can’t wait for you to meet my friends.”
Gehrman nodded. “Indeed, Ms. Sparkle.”
“Please,” Twilight giggled, punching Gehrman’s leg playfully. “Just Twilight will do.”
“If you say so, Twilight,” Gehrman replied. Looking around him and observing his surroundings, he continued. “How will we get to Ponyville?”
“Well,” Twilight said, clearing her throat. “We were going by train, but Princess Celestia said she already had a carriage waiting for us.” Twilight said, motioning to the convenient placed carriage behind her. “Hop on, Gehrman.”
“And those two will be pulling the carriage?” Gehrman asked, pointing at the pegasi guards who were standing near the carriage.
Twilight nodded.
“May the gods have mercy upon their souls.” Gehrman sighed, walking towards the carriage, Twilight soon following. Stepping inside the carriage, Gehrman tipped his hat to the guards, who, in return, bowed their heads to him. “I hope you’re strong enough to carry us both.” He said.
“Please,” One of the guards laughed. “We’re Royal Guards. Of course we’re strong enough.”
“If you say so.” Gehrman trailed off.
Twilight entered the carriage also. Nodding to the two guards to take off, the guards obliged and flapped their wings. They started running and running, Faster and faster. Until they were off ground and were flying higher and higher.
Gehrman closed his eyes as he felt the warm afternoon breeze touch his face. Oh did it feel good. The sun, the wind, everything was just perfect.
“Gehrman?”
Except for that.
Opening his eyes and looking down at Twilight, Gehrman spoke up. “Yes. What is it?” he asked politely.
“I know what Princess Luna did last night. And I just want to say that she did not have any ill intentions and--.”
Gehrman held his hand up. “I know, Twilight. Princess Celestia already informed me of the situation. That is why I have decided to come with you to Ponyville, to keep a distance between me and Princess Luna.”
Twilight could only stare at him in bewilderment. “Okay,” she said, rubbing the back of her head. “So you’re still mad at her?” she asked.
Gehrman shook his head. “I am not mad at her. She had no idea I would react the way I did. But the fact that she did not ask before she acted is what angered me the most. That is why we must keep a distance between us. Perhaps one day we will meet again, and we can put this all behind us.”
Twilight smiled at him. Gehrman didn’t seem like such a bad man after all. She had her doubts about him when they first met, but it seemed that she had misjudged him. She just hoped her friends would feel the same way about him.
Rarity would probably act normally towards him. She might even compliment him about his sense of fashion, if she liked the attire he was wearing. Pinkie Pie would have no trouble accepting him into Ponyville. Heck, she would probably throw him a huge ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party, if she found out he was coming. Fluttershy would probably be hesitant and act shy towards him. But that was her nature , and if it would confuse him, Twilight would explain the situation. Applejack would probably be the same as Rarity, as long as Gehrman didn’t lie to her. She really dislikes it when ponies lie to her. And then there was Rainbow Dash. Now that was a hard one. She would probably react a bit hesitant, thinking that he’s a monster form the Everfree, or something. Or she would react completely normal, maybe like Applejack and Rarity.
Twilight just hoped Gehrman would react in a similar way. He seemed like a very polite man. He seemed to be completely honest when somepony asked him a question. He always addresses somepony he doesn’t know with ‘Mr.’ or ‘Ms.’, and he always had that sincere look in his eyes. In all honesty, Gehrman seemed like someone who you could befriend easily.
But she still wondered what was going on in his head. He seemed to fear dreams and the night. But why? She could ask him, but she should probably wait until she got to know him better. She didn’t want the edge of a blade pointed at her, like Princess Luna.
“Gehrman,” Twilight said, grabbing the First Hunter’s attention. “I hope we’re going to have a blast in Ponyville.”
Gehrman smiled back at her. “I hope so too, Twilight.”